Deep clean on the NHS?

kittkatt82

Hi, does anyone know anything about the NHS charging system please?

My husband sees a dentist in a private practice but he is covered by NHS (although pays for treatment).

He has been twice this year and both times been referred by the dentist to the hygienist for cleaning which he has to pay an additional £45 per session for on top of the £18 NHS charge. Hygienist has now needed to see him 4 times totaling £180.

I have today rung the practice and queried this as my understanding is that the NHS should cover all necessary and preventative work needed unless cosmetic. The receptionist informed me that the dentist can only do a surface scale and polish on the NHS and my husband requires a deep clean which can only be done by the hygienist so he has to pay privately - and although this is optional if he doesn't have it done there is a high probability he will lose his teeth as he has 'deep pockets' which need cleaning and are hereditary.

I'm very confused by this as if he is likely to lose his teeth surely this work should be covered under NHS?! Can anyone clarify for me please? If we have to pay it we will but £180 is a lot to find each year if it should be covered?! Many thanks

brook2jack

You are right. All treatment including cleaning of deep pockets should be available on the nhs. The charge for this is likely to be band two in England and Wales e.g. between £42 ish and £48 ish depending where you live.


deep pockets are not hereditary. There is much you husband can do to stop needing gum treatment e.g. use tepe brushes every day, give up smoking if he does, follow the hygienists advice on cleaning etc so he should use his appointment to find out what measures he should be taking. Gum disease is not cured by hygienists it is controlled by what the patient does at home.