NHS Hygienist

stone_circle

The regulations say "or deep scaling"

Nonsense. This bullet reads "treatment for severe gum disease - [notice the hyphen] such as ..." This is unambiguous since the hyphen makes second part of the bullet a list of treatments for severe gum disease. I do not have severe gum disease. If all deep-scaling was band 2 it would be on it's own bullet or somehow else not predicated on having severe gum disease. The regulations say I should pay band 1.

Toothsmith

They really don't. But have fun arguing it. I think you'll be looking for a new dentist pretty soon.

custardy

stone_circle wrote: »

Nonsense. This bullet reads "treatment for severe gum disease - [notice the hyphen] such as ..." This is unambiguous since the hyphen makes second part of the bullet a list of treatments for severe gum disease. I do not have severe gum disease. If all deep-scaling was band 2 it would be on it's own bullet or somehow else not predicated on having severe gum disease. The regulations say I should pay band 1.

The regulations also say ..........

Band 2 dental treatment: £56.30

Depending on what’s necessary, this can cover everything listed in band 1 above, plus:

brook2jack

So you have a choice,

You do not have to accept the treatment so cancel the scaling appointment . You then don't owe anything.


If you accept the treatment you have signed a form to say you will pay all relevant charges. You have been quoted a band two treatment charge. You can argue semantics all you like but if you keep the appointment you will be liable for the charge. If you do not pay you will not be seen again until you do.

If you believe you have no signs of gum disease then you would not need scaling at all.

If , on the other hand, you have a heavy build up of tartar , particularly under the gum then you will have signs of gum disease.

stone_circle

"You can argue semantics all you like"
Not semantics, contractual law. The regulations have authority here, not you, nor any dentist.

custardy

stone_circle wrote: »

"You can argue semantics all you like"
Not semantics, contractual law. The regulations have authority here, not you, nor any dentist.

so you are saying your interpretation is the correct one?

welshdent

Arguing over the use of the word severe as opposed to "deep scaling". Brilliant. No wonder the world is going to pot.

Band 2 is deep scaling for heavy calculus deposits or sub gingival debridement or root planing. It could even be irrigation of a dental pocket. It relates to treatment provided not the severity of your condition. If it did then it would distinguish between a tiny enamel fracture of an incisor and a massive carious cavity in a molar. It doesn't. The dental contract we were forced to use is a blunt instrument.

They use the term severe gum disease to illustrate a situation that it could be used. Not as a definitive statement on when it can ONLY be used.

This is what WE were given.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2005/0110736400/schedule/2

"(a)non-surgical periodontal treatment including root-planing, deep scaling, irrigation of periodontal pockets and subgingival curettage and all necessary scaling and polishing"