Dental Bridge over a gap of 2 missing teeth-Can it be done?

Toothsmith

Well - this is an argument zinging backwards & forwards isn't it! How can I cope when you keep coming back at me so quickly?

Let us take a trip to this land of Clouds and Cuckoos then, where you are Minister for dentistry.

The dentists are paid a max salary of £28k (Which many newly qualified young dentists would jump at, I'm sure). That's your only idea so far.

The Land of Cloud and Cuckoo therefore has to build the practices, staff and equip them, and pay the costs of providing whatever dental treatment the population want, regardless of how well they actually look after their teeth. What do you think the annual budget for that might be?

The NHS here in the UK provided free dental treatment for all who wanted it at the inception of the NHS is 1948. Then, extractions & dentures were pretty much the only treatment going. The demand nearly led to the collapse of the whole project, and charges had to be introduced in 1951 - which had the effect of halving demand.

How long do you think advanced dental work for all would last before bankrupting the country?

I'll set my calendar for September and eagerly await your reply!

welshdent

With respect. If a business does not make a profit it surely goes OUT of business? Given all general dental practices are private businesses how else do you propose they stay afloat??

Given the costs to run the practice run to about 60 plus % of gross income then what else do you propose dentists do??

I am not being flippant and I am not calling anyone names. FACT. The NHS does not own control or administer any dental practices. They run community clinics and hospital units. Not general practices. Those practices must meet their targets or be financially penalised. DO that they risk going bust. If anyone can square that circle I would suggest contacting the BDA and her majesties government because neither of them seem to be able to do that.