NHS Dentistry Patient Information

BFG_2

sainthalo wrote:

I simply cant understand, and never have, why we have a right to a doctor but not a dentist.

you don't have a right to a doctor, it's just that the PCT has an obligation to get you a doctor if you need one.

Until 1st April they had no such obligation for dentistry, but this is changing......

Similar to Tony B's pledge (ha, ha, ha) you will be able to get an NHS dentist, it's just that they may be 25 miles away....enjoy

MickKnipfler

My new dentist is charging me the max £189.whateveritis for a crown and then another almost £30 for the hygenist....shouldn't it all be in te basic price?

sainthalo

MickKnipfler wrote:

My new dentist is charging me the max £189.whateveritis for a crown and then another almost £30 for the hygenist....shouldn't it all be in te basic price?

take a look here:
http://www.primarycarecontracting.nhs.uk/uploads/Dentistry/march_uploads/mar_06_what_you_need_to_know_about_changes_to_nhs_dentistry_in_england.pdf

MickKnipfler

I thought 189 was the max for the course of treatment. Doesn't that include hygenist treatment?

sainthalo

best way to check is to ring up the PCT and check.

Toothsmith

MickKnipfler wrote:

My new dentist is charging me the max £189.whateveritis for a crown and then another almost £30 for the hygenist....shouldn't it all be in te basic price?

It depends if the hygienist treatment is classed as 'cosmetic'.

What form of words did the dentist use when he said you should see the hygienist?

If he said you'NEED' to see a hygienist, then all the treatment you NEED is available on the NHS, and the cost should be included within the £189.

If he said 'Your teeth would look better if you see the hygienist, but it doesn't matter if you don't want to pay for it' Then it is just being done for cosmetic reasons, and it is outside the NHS.

MickKnipfler

She gave me the usual brown envolope and asked me to book another appointment to have my crown fitted. Then she said, you also need to book an appointment with the hygenist. I asked is that was for a scrape and clean and she said yes.

In spite of using a sonicare, interdental brushes and floss, my teeth still scale up quite quickly

Toothsmith

You need to clarify why a hygienist visit is necessary.

If you NEED it, then it is available through the NHS.

If they don't want to send you to the hygienist on the NHS, then the dentist can do a clean & polish as part of the NHS treatment.

If you don't NEED a clean at all, then it is only cosmetic, and if you WANT a hygienist appointment, then you have to pay privately.

Ring the practice and ask if the cleaning can be done by somebody on the NHS.

If they offer no NHS alternative to this treatment, then a word with the PCT may be in order.

MickKnipfler

I'll ask them to clarify. The appointment was the dentists proposal, not mine.

LondonDiva

Try to sort it out calmly with the practice. If it's not clear - take careful notes can sort stuff out quickly and they can also speak to dental advisors to get an overall picture, if it's a simple misunderstanding (sort of a Thoothsmith on tap!:D) Either way, just letting them know means that the PCT will have a clearer picture of what's going on.