NHS dentist when I work full time

AubreyMac

Hi, I've had a scout around the history to but I can't see a similar question being posted.


Last time I went to the dentist (over 10 years ago) I had swelling which was painful so I just went out of desperation. First thing I was asked was whether I'm private or NHS. I assumed NHS meant on benefit, had a baby in 12 months, you know the 'free' one. As I was working full time I said I was private. I was charged a lot just to be prescribed antibiotics, I was not examined and didnt even go further than the reception desk!


Can I say i'm NHS when I work full time and earn over the 23k threshold?

IAmWales

You can be an NHS patient when you work full time, assuming your dentist is accepting NHS patients. You'll pay one of the set bands.

There's not a £23K threshold for fee exemption, the relevant capital and income limits would depend on your household circumstances.

brook2jack

If the dentist is taking on NHS patients , if you are not exempt from charges eg on certain benefits , then you will simply pay the NHS charge relevant depending on which of the home countries you live in.

Don’t wait for an emergency again as finding a dentist in an emergency is never ideal.

AubreyMac

Thank you.


I didnt de-register from my last dentist so assume I'm still with them (they do take nhs).


I might need a wisdom teeth removal as one of them is swollen a bit. With closer inspection using a torch and little mirror I can see this tooth is on its side growing towards my lips (horizontal impacted). How fun!

brook2jack

In England and Wales there is no such thing as registration with a dentist any more. The dentist is not obliged to see you and will only offer a NHS appointment if they have spare capacity. They will offer appointments preferentially to regular patients and as you have not been in over ten years that is not you.

Scotland does have registration as does NI but again as you have not been for so many years you would not be registered.

zagubov

You need to look around before you need a dentist urgently, and find one that says they're taking NHS patients, and join their practise. And if you're happy with them don't ever leave.

Been with the same one in London for 25 years. We've moved a distance away but still keep with the same practise.

AubreyMac

Thank you for this. I better check that I'm still with the last one I saw (even though I felt they were a rip off but still better have them as back up at least) and I will register with a good rated one thats near work.

Pennywise

Also note some dentists will only treat NHS patients if they're exempt by virtue of age or benefit entitlement.