free nhs dental check & prescriptions if on tax credits

stars_bright

We have an NHS dentist who did the same stunt with us. We have to have although we are on WTC because our income is above the £18,500. The dentist told ,y partner to make an appointment with the hygenist. We paid the £15.50 each for the check ups and then when he saw the hygenist was charged another £30 as she is "private". I checked up online and apparently the dentist "should" do any work that is needed on the NHS. Next time she told him to see the hygenist he did not go and the dentist did a scale and polish herself.

softuk

Toothsmith wrote: »

If you NEED to see the hygienist, then it should all be included on the NHS.

The only things dentists are not allowed to do on the NHS are 'cosmetic' treatments.

Some try and say "the hygienist is self employed, and she only sees people privately"

Some just say "The hygienist is private"

The NHS CONTRACT says that a dentist is contractually bound to offer all services that take place normally on the premesis (And if a hygienist is on the premesis, that means her too) to an NHS patient if that patient NEEDS those services.

I'm interested in your comments, vbecause this is what happened to us.
My husband and I registered as NHS patients with a new dental practice that has recently set up here.
I went for a check-up, and already knew I would need treatment as I has chipped a front tooth. The total cost of treatment was £42.40 - £15.50 for examination, and £26.90 for the filling.
My husband went, examination (this time called "extensive") £15.90, and 20 minute Hygienist appointment - £42.00 - Total £57.90.
When I queried the hygienist cost, I was told that this was "private" as the NHS did not provide hygienist treatment.
In searching, I find that this is not the case, and the dentist should have carried out necessary preventative care:

Under the new contract NHS patients pay one of three charges depending on the amount of treatment they need:


£15.50 - Covers a check up, diagnosis and preventative care such as scale and polish
£42.40 - Covers all treatment in the previous band plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions

I have been in touch with my local PCP about this, but of course at the end of the day we're in a catch 22 situation. Compalin, and there is the chance that the denrist will refuse to see us again, Don't complain, and we're going to be charged.

I will come back and report on the outcome, but woyld warn anyone to check prices and what is covered before they have dental treatment.

This is a very useful link I have found:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/nm/h_nhs_dental_treatment.pdf

and this:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HealthAndWellBeing/HealthServices/PractitionersAndServices/DG_10036830

mioliere

NHS dentists should charge the basic fee, which I think has now gone up to £15.90 this month, but this should include the routine check-up AND scale and polish if the dentist thinks you need it. It is only if you want scale and polish in between check-ups that you'll need to pay separately for it. They should have a list of charges posted in the waiting room which explains what is covered by each of the charges - if not, ask for a copy of the leaflet that NHS surgeries have been given.

bestpud

catowen wrote: »

I get the free prescriptions, eye tests and dental etc - just wish i could find an NHS dentist!!!!

Lol, same here! Entitled to free dental care but paying £68 a month for the five of us because the alternative is emergency treatment only via our local dental access centre. Not a risk I'm prepared to take with my childrens' teeth!

Makes me mad as we struggle to pay it, but I do trust our dentist, and we receive very good care which sweetens the blow a little.

Bestpud

stars_bright

Does the £68 per month cover checkups and all treatment that is needed? That sounds quite good for 5 of you. If so could you tell me who you get this cover with as the only cover I could find would have cost more than that and only covered 2 checkups per year and then gives a % discount on treatment

shameless-about-money

Anthillmob wrote: »

AND THE BRUCIE BONUS!! =- as i receive tax credits i am expemt from paying and also exempt from prescription charges too! funny you never get told things like this by the inland revenue. i also recently got my eye test for free as i get tax credits.

however i have to see the hygenist who will try and sort my gums out and shes private at £35 for 30 mins.

also given antibiotics that state 'avoid alcohol' otherwise you will get breathing difficulties. boo!


so was anyone aware of this? i certainly wasnt.

The Inland Revenue DO inform you of this - it is on the letter that comes with the card - and it is also printed onto the card itself! So if you ARE entitled it will be there.

bestpud

stars_bright wrote: »

Does the £68 per month cover checkups and all treatment that is needed? That sounds quite good for 5 of you. If so could you tell me who you get this cover with as the only cover I could find would have cost more than that and only covered 2 checkups per year and then gives a % discount on treatment

It covers two check ups per year and x-rays every so often, one, or could be two, hygenist appointments and all general treatments, such as fillings, plus emergency and accident cover.

I'm not sure of exact figures off hand but the three children are around £11 each per month, mine and dh around £20 each and we get a 10% discount for all paying by one direct debit.

It is a plan the practice have arranged themselves, as they didn't think much of Denplan and the like.

It seems a lot to me but we were getting it completely free before they went private, so it was a very big jump!

Hth

Bestpud