NHS Dental Charge for clean & polish

evenasus

I have been going to a private dentist for quite a few years but have just changed to an NHS practice.

I had a check up last month and was told all was ok but that I should make an appointment with the hygienist for a clean/scale and polish.

I was charged £16.20 for the check up, which is correct as per NHS charges.

I had my appointment with the hygienist this morning. I suppose I was 'in the chair' for about 20 minutes. A very pleasant young lady chatted away, while she did some cleaning with the ususal dental tool and then with the water jet cleaner.

For this I was charged £38.00 - was I overcharged?

From the NHS Dental site...

Band 1 course of treatment – £16.20

This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.

Band 2 course of treatment – £44.60

[FONT=CCACA F+ Frutiger]This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.[/FONT]

coldstreamalways

Questions like this should have an automatic reply, instead of googling, ask your dentist. They are the only ones who will know the answer.

Toothsmith

You've been charged privately for your hygienist visit.

But I'm sure the dentist explained to you beforehand that as you didn't NEED a clean and polish, it was a 'cosmetic' option. As the NHS doesn't pay for 'cosmetic' work, he was perfectly entitled to charge you a private fee for this.

What do you mean, he didn't explain this beforehand????

girlsmum

hygienist cleaning (is a deep clean) is not an NHS treatment a scale and polish at the same time as your check and done by your dentist up is £16.20 the hygienist is only private therefore you have been charged as such, they should have mentioned this at the time, unfortunately they dont seem to sometimes. i would ask why you where not told and in future query prices.


HTH

Amanda

Toothsmith

If an NHS patient REQUIRES a deep clean, then they are entitled to it on the NHS - either through the dentist doing it or a hygienist doing it. No necessary treatment is excluded from the NHS - although some NHS dentists try to tell people it is sometimes.

If you are an NHS dental patient and feel you are being forced to pay privately for something considered necessary, then complain to the dental person at your local PCT.

evenasus

Toothsmith wrote: »

You've been charged privately for your hygienist visit.

But I'm sure the dentist explained to you beforehand that as you didn't NEED a clean and polish, it was a 'cosmetic' option. As the NHS doesn't pay for 'cosmetic' work, he was perfectly entitled to charge you a private fee for this.

What do you mean, he didn't explain this beforehand????

No, I certainly didn't request a clean & polish. In my opinion, a clean was not necessary. I clean my teeth three times a day and use interdental brushes.

I'll give them a ring tomorrow and ask why I was charged £38.00.

Years ago I used to go to an NHS Dentist and occasionally he would make me an appointment with the hygienist. Used to hate this, as it made my teeth very sensitive to cold drinks for the next few days.
But - I was charged as part of the NHS treatment.

Toothsmith

Why did you change from the private practice?

If you were basically happy there, but just found it a bit pricey, I would seriously consider going back.

The NHS dental system is a horrible target -driven treadmill which is good for neither dentist or patient.

evenasus

Yes, I changed because it was pretty expensive.
Excellent modern surgery with state of the art equipment.
But - after paying out over £5000.00 pounds in two years (did include an implant) I decided to try NHS again.
After all, I had paid into the system for over 40 years.

saver_sam

I had to pay about £43 for a clean and it was recommended by the dentist. He didn't tell me it was being done privately so was very shocked to be told I'd need to pay when I have an exemption certificate. Well miffed but they felt good afterwards so can't complain really. Just now have to budget for it!