NHS Dentist Bands Question

LewisB_2

At the beginning of this month, I had a major pain where my bottom right wisdom tooth is. I managed to get an appointment at the dentists pretty soon. The dentist opened my mouth, looked in and then told me that I had an infected. She then prescribed me some antibiotics which I had to take for 5 days.

She then said that once the infection has cleared up, come back where she will then carry out the check up (xray etc…). She told me that I would need the wisdom tooth out.

Before I left the dentist, I was told to pay £17.50 (Band 1) for the visit I just had. I asked if I would have to pay again when I come back to have the check up and she told me no as it was within 2 months. But then she informed me that as I need to have the wisdom tooth taken out, I would need to pay a further £48.00 (Band 2).

After reading the sign on their wall, it states Band 2 includes all treatment covered by Band 1 plus additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth.

Should I not pay a further £30.50 (17.50 - 48.00 = 30.50)?

brook2jack

I think you may have misunderstood things. Emergency treatment is band four treatment £17.50. When you come in for your check up then that is a whole new course of treatment not a continuation of your emergency treatment so a band two treatment ie another £48 .

So yes you do have to pay two charges , a band four charge and a band two charge.



Band 1: Diagnosis, treatment planning and maintenance Clinical examination, x-rays, scaling and polishing, preventive dental work such as oral hygiene instruction. £17.50

Band 2: Simple treatment Fillings, extractions, surgical procedures. £48.00

Band 3: Provisions of appliances Complex treatment which includes a laboratory element such as crowns and dentures. £209.00

Urgent treatment Treatment required where there is severe pain or the risk of oral health significantly deteriorating. £17.50


So the total you will pay will be £17.50 plus £48