Private Dentistry Bills

ShoobaDooba

My mum's NHS dentist closed unexpectedly and while trying to get registered with a new one (notoriously difficult, especially with the whole patient roster applying in our rural area), she had pressing dental work. She began treatment privately out of necessity and is two thirds of the way through extensive treatment - temporary bridge, crown work, three hours in the chair in one sitting alone. The bill will be over 5k. She is a retired pensioner and is having to rely on savings. She is not rich by any means and is understandably anxious. I wondered if there was any financial help in her situation. It seems that people in financial hardship rightly get dental allowances but I suspect that a conscientious older saver may have to suck it up, probably through a straw judging by how painful the treatment was. 
If anyone knows of something I can do or look at to help that would be brilliant. Thanks.

Toothsmith

I'm afraid there are no State subsidies of private dentistry.

Undervalued

ShoobaDooba said:

My mum's NHS dentist closed unexpectedly and while trying to get registered with a new one (notoriously difficult, especially with the whole patient roster applying in our rural area), she had pressing dental work. She began treatment privately out of necessity and is two thirds of the way through extensive treatment - temporary bridge, crown work, three hours in the chair in one sitting alone. The bill will be over 5k. She is a retired pensioner and is having to rely on savings. She is not rich by any means and is understandably anxious. I wondered if there was any financial help in her situation. It seems that people in financial hardship rightly get dental allowances but I suspect that a conscientious older saver may have to suck it up, probably through a straw judging by how painful the treatment was. 
If anyone knows of something I can do or look at to help that would be brilliant. Thanks.

In England (Scotalnd and N Ireland are different) there is no such thing as being "registered" with an NHS dentist. You can go to any NHS dentist who is willing to see you. If they do see you they are obliged to complete any necessary course of treatment but are then under no obligation to ever see you again.

That said, some do choose to operate as if there was a registration system and will only see regular patients.

MrsPorridge

I go to a private dentist.  They have a scheme where I pay so much per month £20 and for that I get two hygienist appointments and 20% off treatment.  They also do a scheme where if you do need lots of expensive work, you can pay for it by instalments - so it might be worth seeing if the dentist would be willing to accept payment by instalments?

Conrad3000

If you pay in instalments, would there be interest charges involved?