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.

Just A Thought

Don't come on the health board, but I have a cold today and was looking to see if there is any advice etc...

What would happen if you had say, a real bad problem on your gums/teeth that required immediate remedial surgey, and you went to an NHS dentist, but were so strapped of cash for whatever reason, you didnt have any money to get the work done.

Would you just be left in agony? Or is there some sort of procedure for these things?

This scenario is assuming you don't qualify for free NHS treatment of course...

I have had bad bouts of toothache probably about 10 times in my life, fortunatly, I have never needed more than antibiotics to resolve the toothache, and then follow up remedial surgery in the weeks afterwards, but id hate to be in that position!!! Fortunatly, I have only been to a private dentist and it isnt too bad price wise, but god knows what I would do, if I had no money and severe toothache one day.

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I think this is more of a hypothetical question Tiff, than any problem with the OP.

    Clove oil isn't much good for anything other than a direct exposure of a live nerve - and that doesn't actually happen very often. In most cases, clove oil will cause quite bad chemical burns to the gum.

    NHS direct is the point of access for emergency dental work - A&E just get pigged off with dental problems.

    But - back to the OP.

    If someone was on a genuienly low income, then they would almost certainly qualify for exemptions from NHS fees. Finding an NHS dentist is another matter - but usually NHS direct can find at least emergency care.

    If someone cannot afford NHS dental fees because they've no money left after beer, fags and the SKY subscription, then that's another matter.
    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.
  • Glad
    Glad Posts: 18,901 Senior Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Mortgage-free Glee! Name Dropper
    MEDICAL ADVICE

    Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: Sorry, giving or asking for medical advice is not permitted on this forum as it’s not what this site is about. While discussing medical insurance policies, cheaper ways to see consultants, cashback for alternative health treatments and how to get specific medication cheaper (legally) are all perfectly acceptable we ask you specifically not to discuss what to do in the event of certain medical problems (please see this rule on the Health Board). If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL]
    I am a Senior Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Wales, Small Biz MoneySaving, In My Home (includes DIY) MoneySaving, and Old style MoneySaving boards. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • MattLFC
    MattLFC Posts: 397 Forumite
    Thanks Toothsmith, yeah, it was hypothetical, thank god lol. Much appreciated for the reply.

    I was just thinking, that in these hard financial times, many families may well have zero money left in the coming months, after paying their mortgage and essential utilities etc, so it would be interesting. There is also a lot of people that may well become bankrupt etc, who are still earning above the NHS cut off limits, but simply don't have the cash at that moment.

    Ive never really been up to speed on how NHS dentistry works, I have always paid my dentist in installments prior to having treatment done etc, or thrown it on the credit card, to my shame lol, and was just interested to see if the government would look after people who genuinely hit financial hardship and don't have any money left to pay for treatment or whether they would just expect them to suffer, until they got the case together. I guess, it would probably be the latter, in the scenario I am thinking about.

    :)
  • mary43
    mary43 Posts: 5,845 Forumite
    Interesting topic..............my son is currently really suffering with his teeth and his dentist has told him they really need to be extracted and for him to have dentures. This will cost a fair bit and although my son works, he has partner and small baby, high rent to pay etc. so I have given him the money so he can get the work done.
    Just as well I had a bit put by otherwise I don;t know what he'd have had to do. He doesn't have a credit card.
    Hopefully now he'll be able to make an appointment, get the job done as soon after christmas as possible as not suffer any more pain.
    Mary

    I'm creative -you can't expect me to be neat too !
    (Good Enough Member No.48)
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
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 254K 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.