Dental Insurance - any advice ?>

moneyspender1981

I unfortuantely havnt been to the dentist for some years and fear that eventually I will need to go, but appreciate there aint many NHS dentists anymore.

I now have tooth ache so know will need to go and will pay, so that I dont end up like this next time I was thinking of taking up a dental plan.

Can anyone recommend one or give me any adivice please, as no very little about them and they all seem to look the same.

any help appreciated.

McKneff

Try ringing round first to find an NHS Dentist, you would be surprised at how many places there are available.

Firstly try ringing NHS Direct, they will be able to help you.

Its a lot cheaper.

Farmerbob

You may find with some that you may not be covered if you have not been to the Dentist in the last 6 months. I cant say anything on NHS dentists as im private but im sure if you do need quite a lot of work then they will be able to spread the treatment over a few months therefore spreading the cost. Just a suggestion.

Toothsmith

I would say 'first things first'!

Get to a dentist you're comfortable with (NHS or Private) ASAP. Get yourself sorted out, and then look around for plans to help you keep on top of things with regular visits in future.

You will not find any decent dental plans that will help you at the moment. It's a bit like looking up 'Go Compare' when you've wrapped your car round a tree!

johnk

If you wear glasses as well and/or have children, The SimplyHealth Cash Plan might be something for you to consider (it has worked well for me in last few years).
https://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/sh/pages/individuals/health-cash-plan.jsp

Toothsmith

I think these things have a 'qualifying period' though, which isn't much use if you have a face like a football!

molerat

Self insure. My dentist wanted £15 pm each on a dental plan so we put £30 in a savings account. We are now over £1000 up :j Add breakdown insurance for the washing machine etc it soon adds up and each one can cross cover the other.

spenderdave

It depends on your circumstances whether you benefit from these dental plans. I have a check-up and hygenist every six months plus the occasional filling. When they quoted me for Dental Care the premium worked out considerably more than I was paying anyway. In your case you really need to get your present problems sorted first, you are unlikely to get any dentist to quote you for dental care until that has been done.

paul5046

I have just found a new private dentist. had my initial check up and nothing needs doing. If i want to go on a dental plan how does it work. Is it through the dentist, what things should i consider.

I also have an NHS dentist but never felt they gave me enough time.I joined the private one as i was convinced i had some gum disease, and he confirmed i had. The NHS one said everything was okay.

Toothsmith

There isn't really a hard and fast rule as to which way is best.

Dentists set their own prices. Some dentists like dental plans, so will set their fee-per-item fees higher to 'encourage' people to sign onto the plans, some will favour patients paying as they go, so set the plans at a higher rate. It's importatnt to look at both rates, and look at the likely level of need you will have (But always be aware that now and again, something really expensive might happen).

Personally, I don't really mind how patients pay me, so both rates are fairly similar. But if the hourly rates are similar, it will always make the fee per item rate look quite high.

paul5046

Toothsmith wrote: »

There isn't really a hard and fast rule as to which way is best.

Dentists set their own prices. Some dentists like dental plans, so will set their fee-per-item fees higher to 'encourage' people to sign onto the plans, some will favour patients paying as they go, so set the plans at a higher rate. It's importatnt to look at both rates, and look at the likely level of need you will have (But always be aware that now and again, something really expensive might happen).

Personally, I don't really mind how patients pay me, so both rates are fairly similar. But if the hourly rates are similar, it will always make the fee per item rate look quite high.

If you were on a Denplan, is there more incentive for the dentist to encourage you to look after your teeth. If you are on "pay a you go" then a patient with really good teeth isn't a great earner. Or am i being too cynical.