private dental care costs

fairportcat

Our dentist has just announced that they are no longer providing NHS treatment, and there are none available locally either. They are pushing the Denplan scheme, but I'm not sure if this is worth around £20 per month for 2 check-ups and the Hygienist, and a small discount on other treatment. I've tried looking at Health Cash plans and general Health Ins policies, but not sure if we'd be better off just putting that money aside to savings. 
Anyone have experience of these plans, and are they worth it?

sstevo19

I'm with a private dentist who using PracticePlan. I pay £13 a month and that covers the cost of two check ups and cleanings a year. I find it's worth it but it's more forcing me to actually go if I'm paying monthly for it. I do get a discount on treatment but I've not had to have any treatment since signing up for this plan (touch wood)   

fairportcat

Sounds like yours is about a third cheaper - so not bad value.

elsien

Will the dentist accept other plans, and what would be the cost of treatments if you just paid without having any plan in place?

sstevo19

fairportcat said:

Sounds like yours is about a third cheaper - so not bad value.

It also probably depends where you are in the UK. I'm in the North East and a lot of people would say I'm a fool for paying money each month for it. But it's not too bad. Is it just for yourself? £20 is probably the most I would want to spend a month, well, maybe up to about £25. 

Snuggles

I pay £11.50 a month on Denplan (in North Yorkshire). I think the price depends on the health of your teeth/gums when you start as well as potentially varying by area and dental practice. I've been very happy with my dentist and the service I receive for that monthly payment. I would definitely pay more rather than have to rely on NHS dentistry.

fairportcat

I have a suspicion that I would be lucky to get away with £20 per month for 2 x check-up and Hygienist visits, as I have had a lot of work done previously, and they have to assess you first. The cost of Denplan varies from practice to practice, but not much choice down here in Somerset! The Denplan is marginally cheaper for the check-ups etc, and gives a discount on other treatments, but I'm still inclined to just save that amount away monthly. I don't reckon they accept any other plans. I feel mainly sorry for all those families who just can't afford the cost of the plans, and now don't have the option of NHS.

newlywed

My dentist is nhs and private.  Whilst worrying about being struck off, I checked their private prices. Check up is £45 and hygienist (I already pay for anyway) is £55.

a white filling I asked for a couple of years ago had to be done on private and started from £80 for a small filling.

thepurplepixie

I pay more for Denplan but I get 2 check ups a years, 4 hygienists appointments (although in the last 12 months I've only had 2 due to covid but I've got another one next month) I think any treatments are free (fillings including root canals, x rays and I suppose extractions but I've never had one so not sure) unless I need a crown and then I have to pay the lab costs.  I think it is worth it but I suppose it depends on priorities.

I had emergency treatment on year on Boxing Day and it was covered, I can also get emergency treatment if I'm away from home.

sheilavw

i subscribe to simply health,  I've been in this for years, it used to be called the hospital saturday fund. It covers a lot of different things like seeing a specialist, glasses , private presciptions. I was lucky that I got to change to NHS at my practice after being private for a number of years