Help with dentisits fee's not covered by NHS

broke=skint

Hi guys, I apologise if this is in the wrong section but I wasn't quite sure where to ask the question.

I am 30 and in full time employment, I went to the dentists over the weekend (first time in a very long time!) and he informed me that I needed a brace to prevent future damage to my teeth.

He said this work was not covered by the NHS and would cost me £3000 for two years worth of work! I can pay as much or as little as I wish every month but it must be paid up by the time my treatment has finished.

I have worked out that if I pay as much as I can afford, it will be no where near being paid for at the end of two years.
Tomorrow when the surgery is open again I plan on calling to ask if the repayment period can be extended.
In the mean time, has anyone else been in this situation or is there anyway I can get help from anywhere with the costs?

Thanks in advance!

PlutoinCapricorn

This sounds excessive. I suggest posting in the Health & Beauty section where some dentists give good advice.

broke=skint

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

This sounds excessive. I suggest posting in the Health & Beauty section where some dentists give good advice.

Thanks mate, I've done that now. I had never noticed that section before!
Its also nice to hear that someone else thinks its excessive too!

Benefits_Bod

It *may* also be worth contacting your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) to find out if your dentist is trying to avoid providing treatment that is fundable under the NHS. On a strictly personal note, I had a NHS check-up earlier this year and was advised I needed to see the Dental Hygienist - privately for in excess of £30.

Only later did I find out that the treatment given *should* have been given under the NHS umbrella. In my opinion, the "wrong" advice given to me was deliberate - hence my suggestion to make a few enquiries.

broke=skint

Benefits_Bod wrote: »

It *may* also be worth contacting your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) to find out if your dentist is trying to avoid providing treatment that is fundable under the NHS. On a strictly personal note, I had a NHS check-up earlier this year and was advised I needed to see the Dental Hygienist - privately for in excess of £30.

Only later did I find out that the treatment given *should* have been given under the NHS umbrella. In my opinion, the "wrong" advice given to me was deliberate - hence my suggestion to make a few enquiries.

Thanks, I have just sent an email to my PCT asking if braces are available on the NHS for over 18's.
Now you have said that it does sound like they are trying to "pocket" a little extra cash.

I think my dentist will plea that it is cosmetic work and not a medical need if I question him. After reading NHS dentist treatment costs, looks like cosmetic work will be charged as private work :-(
When I have an answer from them I'll post what they say just in case anyone else is ever faced with this problem.

Vader123

Theres a few threads on MSE about it, heres one :

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1665983

Vader

Penny-Pincher!!

Benefits_Bod wrote: »

It *may* also be worth contacting your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) to find out if your dentist is trying to avoid providing treatment that is fundable under the NHS. On a strictly personal note, I had a NHS check-up earlier this year and was advised I needed to see the Dental Hygienist - privately for in excess of £30.

Only later did I find out that the treatment given *should* have been given under the NHS umbrella. In my opinion, the "wrong" advice given to me was deliberate - hence my suggestion to make a few enquiries.

Unless not having the brace fitted will be detrimental to the OP's health (breathing, not being able to eat etc etc) then it wouldnt fall under NHS and be counted more as a cosmetic treatment.

OP, you could ask for a second oppinion (sp)

Some dentists are not to be trusted and offer you treatment you do not need.

PP
xx

brook2jack

Since 2006 in England and Wales for the vast majority adult orthodontics is not available. For the very small minority with severe problems it may be available via a general or dental hospital. This requires a referral and normally a long wait.

The normal course of bracework is 18months to 2 years and requires visits every 6 weeks or so. £1800 to £4000 is the general sort of cost depending on complexity and type of brace used.

Tigsteroonie

broke=skint wrote: »

I think my dentist will plea that it is cosmetic work and not a medical need if I question him.

But if it's cosmetic, then it's not strictly speaking necessary, and up to you to decide whether you can afford to have it done or decide not to bother. Surely?