We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Dental overhaul

Hi folks
Can anyone tell me whether you can go to a dentist and get a "quote" for work. I haven't been for some years and know that I have got broken teeth and the odd filling missing but I need to know what the damage is going to be financially before signing up. Is there some sort of "screening" process? Any help gratefully received (don't want to go anyway... without it costing a fortune too!)
Thanks
«1

Comments

  • alison999
    alison999 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    Best thing to do is ask friends and family if they'd recommened anyone to you.

    Dont 'pick' someone out of the yellow pages and go with them just because they're the cheapest option - they may be cheap for reason!

    Recommendations are the best of finding a good dentist.

    As for 'signing up' most dentists usually offer pay-as-you-go, you just pay for what you have done on the day you have it done, rather than paying monthly. Although im sure a monthly - fee may be offered to you at a later date!

    Once you have a initial check up, unless you sign something saying otherwise you are under no obligation to have any treatment done at that dental practice.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You'd probably have to pay for an initial check-up, but don't just pick that for cheapness. You'll get the most accurate estimates from the most thorough check-up.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • How do you know who the cheapest dentist is anyway? They just seem to get you in the chair, then empty your purse! I know I need some filling replaced, but I can't pay several dentists to look, to get a price from each of them to compare!

    Do they each have rates for certain procedures? i.e. can I call and say "how do you work out your charges for fillings".

    I know they vary, as my husband had a tooth repair re-done and it was £50 cheaper this time than it was 3 years ago! Same job done.
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 46,892 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A decent dentist should have something giving at least an indication of their charges.
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • alison999
    alison999 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    Savvy_Sue wrote: »
    A decent dentist should have something giving at least an indication of their charges.


    You can give a indication but never a exact quote, how is the receptionist given the quote going to know if the filling is small/medium/large or what material it will be made out of?
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 46,892 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    alison999 wrote: »
    You can give a indication but never a exact quote, how is the receptionist given the quote going to know if the filling is small/medium/large or what material it will be made out of?
    Yup, I know, that's why I said an 'indication'. And that would certainly give you an idea of who did the cheapest basic examination, although you need to check whether that includes X-rays, cleaning etc to make a true comparison.

    But thinking back, bj said
    How do you know who the cheapest dentist is anyway?
    Spare me from the cheapest dentist ... in the long run, it's likely to be the one you trust, the one you allow to get to know your mouth, the one who takes the time to explain why they're proposing what they're proposing.

    I left my last (NHS) dentist because I'd lost confidence, even when he was proposing expensive private work. I saw a private dentist whose surgery signage was slightly off-putting with gleaming teeth above the 'shop front', and I'd have been out the door pretty fast if they'd started talking whitening or heaps of cosmetic work because I'm quite happy with MY teeth even if I can't flash a 'Hollywood' smile. However, they've been fine, and although a filling does cost more, at least I have confidence it's been done appropriately and properly.
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Hmm, I take all your points, just wanted to work out if there was a 'rate' schedule of any kind i.e. minimum/maximum charge for a filling, without the embarrassment of getting a huge quote and having to say you can't afford it. I perfectly understand that they can't be precise at reception, and that to an extent you get what you pay for - however, if you put yourself in the chair, and have limited income at your disposal, it's very stressful. After all, if you don't have the money - unfortunately, you don't have the money! I guess I'll just leave it for now - and wait until 'my ship, comes in'!

    It's a tricky place, having a limited salary, but not being on benefits!
  • Rikki
    Rikki Posts: 21,625 Forumite
    Even people on benefits find themselves having to pay for dentistry work if the can't find an NHS dentist.


    If like you say you have more than one problem concerning you. Have the check up. Once you have accurate costings, prioritise the treatment according to most urgent and have each treatment done as you can afford it.
    £2 Coins Savings Club 2012 is £4 :).............................NCFC member No: 00005.........

    ......................................................................TCNC member No: 00008
    NPFM 21
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hmm, I take all your points, just wanted to work out if there was a 'rate' schedule of any kind i.e. minimum/maximum charge for a filling, without the embarrassment of getting a huge quote and having to say you can't afford it. I perfectly understand that they can't be precise at reception, and that to an extent you get what you pay for - however, if you put yourself in the chair, and have limited income at your disposal, it's very stressful. After all, if you don't have the money - unfortunately, you don't have the money! I guess I'll just leave it for now - and wait until 'my ship, comes in'!

    It's a tricky place, having a limited salary, but not being on benefits!

    Your teeth could well sail off into the sunset before your ship comes in.

    What the patient can afford is an integral and important part of treatment planning.

    Go and see the dentist, be up front and honest about what you want and what you can afford, and something will be put together that will suit your needs I'm sure.

    It may not be a hollywood smile at this stage, but if things can just be made stable and healthy, then you have the foundations in place should those six numbers ever come out of the machine.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • OK, that's fair enough advise. Also read your signature advise. My teeth aren't bad, but I know I have at least 3 chipped fillings, I can feel them. They were done over 20 year ago, so I guess to be expected. I do try to look after my teeth really carefully, Very careful diet, only really drink water, very little tea or coffee, floss etc.

    From this, I guess the rates dentists charge are similar and one isn't going to be loads more expensive than another for the same work?
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 253.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.