Not informed of dentist charges

FrenchRebel

I visited the dentist today for a free NHS checkup and was given a x-ray without being informed of the cost. When I questioned the charge the dentist told me that they assumed I knew. There were no visible price lists and I was not told that the x-ray would not be covered by the NHS. Is this allowed?

Toothsmith

Which country are you in?

There are different charging structures in England, N.I., Scotland and Wales! It's not a very 'N' NHS!

Charges should be displayed though, and there shouldn't be a reason for an X-Ray not being available on the NHS.

FrenchRebel

Sorry, I forgot to say, I'm in Scotland.

brook2jack

Unless you are exempt from dental charges ie under 18 or on an eligable benefit or have an exemption certificate then you have to pay dental charges .

A free check up is just that, nothing else is included and there will be a charge for x rays on the nhs. As x rays are necessary for most new patients or people who have not attended for some time they are not an optional extra . The charge for xrays ranges from around £2.20 to roughly £10 on the nhs.

There are over 400 different charges for treatment on the NHS in Scotland so posters will just have details of how to claim for free or reduced treatment charges. If you are on a low income pick up a hc1 form and fill in, they are available in doctors/dentists/pharmacies et.

deanos

I had a xray a couple of months ago and wasn't charged any extra just the normal nhs fee, may be my dentist is kind , they also give white fillings at no extra charge too

wealdroam

deanos wrote: »

I had a xray a couple of months ago and wasn't charged any extra just the normal nhs fee, may be my dentist is kind , they also give white fillings at no extra charge too

If you are having a filling, there is no extra charge for an x-ray.

Here is an overview of charges.

deanos

wealdroam wrote: »

If you are having a filling, there is no extra charge for an x-ray.

Here is an overview of charges.

no i wasn't having a filling at the time just a check up

BlueAngelCV

Why didn't you ask before having the x-ray instead of afterwards?

brook2jack

wealdroam wrote: »

If you are having a filling, there is no extra charge for an x-ray.

wealdroam wrote: »

If you are having a filling, there is no extra charge for an x-ray.

Here is an overview of charges.

Sorry but this only applies in England. In Scotland where the op is, check ups are free of charge and everything else is charged individually . There are over four hundred different charges as opposed to enclaves just four bands. So in scotland you pay separately for a filling and an X-ray etc whereas in England it is all included in band two.

As toothsmith said different charging regimes exist in England ,Wales,Scotland and NI.

mo786uk

BlueAngelCV wrote: »

Why didn't you ask before having the x-ray instead of afterwards?

It is difficult to ask why without being i nthe situation.

If OP arrives at reception and they say it is £20 for a cheeck up then it is fair to assume they will be notified of any extras.

Its not really good enough for the dentist to assume they knew - UNLESS - the OP was given literautre explaining everything before the appointment.

I would imagine they were mid treatment and the dentist said something liek 'go and have an x ray' - in such a situation it is fair to assume it is part of the NHS check up fee unless told otherwise.

It really dependso n the situation. I am private and therefore expect every element to be chargeable - but on the NHS its a bit more complex.

brook2jack

In Scotland check ups are free all other treatment has to be paid for. It is widely advertised and posters are displayed in waiting rooms http://www.psd.scot.nhs.uk/dentists/treatment-costs.html. They clearly say x rays have to be paid for.

There are over 400 different charges so not all can be displayed. The standard charge for a small x ray is around £2.40.