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NHS Dentist......

jimmyjim_uk
jimmyjim_uk Posts: 552 Forumite
in Health & beauty MoneySaving
Anyone know how you get one?

I've been private for the last 4 years (what a waste of money that was) so I ain't got a clue how to go about it.

I've heard on the news that NHS dentists are like gold dust.

I'm hoping living in Birmingham that finding one ain't gona be that hard.

Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • A_brand_new_year
    A_brand_new_year Posts: 13 Forumite
    Try NHS Direct. You can do a postcode search and it will tell you who locally is taking on NHS patients at the moment...
    http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/localisation/
  • bank_of_slate
    bank_of_slate Posts: 12,922 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi Jimmy,
    I work in Dentistry for a PCT.

    NHS direct may be able to help you, but the problem with them is that no practices want to go on their list as once they do, they are inundated with thousands of calls.
    The best thing to do is keep phoning around the practices themselves.
    Practices will usually take new patients on an 'ad hoc' basis, often telling the receptionist to take the first 20 who walk in or phone up.
    ...Linda xx
    It's easy to give in to that negative voice that chants "cant do it" BUT we lift each other up.
    We dont count all the runners ahead of us & feel intimidated.
    Instead we look back proudly at our journey, our personal struggle & determination & remember that there are those that never even attempt to reach the starting line.
  • Nile
    Nile Posts: 14,802 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Hello jimmyjim_uk


    Have you seen the threads in the 'Health MoneySaving' board about dental issues? There is a very interesting thread 'NHS Dentists - RIP' which is packed with useful information about the difference between NHS and private charges. Click here to view the thead.

    Kind Regards

    Nile
    10 Dec 2007 - Led Zeppelin - I was there. :j [/COLOR]:cool2: I wear my 50 (gold/red/white) blood donations pin badge with pride. [/SIZE][/COLOR]Give blood, save a life. [/B]
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    bank_of_slate_and_nazi wrote:
    Hi Jimmy,
    I work in Dentistry for a PCT.


    You've got a wonderful job at the moment then!! :p

    In Birmingham, most of the dentists at the moment are refusing to talk to their PCTs.

    The PCTs need to be finalising the 'New Contract' ready for the April Fools Day start date.

    Didn't your local paper in Birmingham carry something on this a night or two ago Jimmy??
    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.
  • jimmyjim_uk
    jimmyjim_uk Posts: 552 Forumite
    Toothsmith wrote:
    Didn't your local paper in Birmingham carry something on this a night or two ago Jimmy??

    I must of missed it.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Here you go

    NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

    And there's another one HERE

    I do think you'd be best off getting a private dentist you feel happier with. Easier, better for your teeth, and possibly even cheaper in the long run - especially with the new charge bands of NHS treatment.
    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.
  • jimmyjim_uk
    jimmyjim_uk Posts: 552 Forumite
    Link doesn't work!!!
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sorry about that! the site doesn't seem to like !!!!!!!s!

    Fixed now.
    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.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,112 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Wow it even blanked that out!!!

    It wasn't rude, I just said T i n y u r l s.

    It's a web site that turns huge URLs into shorter, easier to manage ones!
    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.
  • Teerah
    Teerah Posts: 1,794 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Toothsmith wrote:
    ... better for your teeth...


    *cough*.......
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