Accessing dental treatment while on UC

nnb

I'm wondering if anyone can advise me on accessing dental treatment (England) while I am on Universal Credit as I'm at a dead end. 

My NHS dentist I'd been with 30+ years unregistered me without informing me (they claim they did, mind you) and now I can't find any who are taking on NHS patients. Everything is private only but "check back in 6-12 months". I tried over 40 practices........

Even though UC means I am eligible for free treatment, I would happily pay the NHS fee for a check up as it's impacting on my mental health knowing I've not been seen since 2019 and something doesn't feel right in there.

I am getting nowhere with getting advice from NHS or CAB. As it isn't an emergency, 111 can't help.

If anyone has any advice, I'd be so grateful!

poppy12345

Not sure exactly what you're question is but see link and put your post code in for NHS dentists near you. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

As for costs then a private dentist can charge more than a NHS one. See link for the differences between the 2. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/dentists/article/private-and-nhs-dental-charges-al0jA6J1Swyl

nnb

poppy12345 said:

Not sure exactly what you're question is but see link and put your post code in for NHS dentists near you. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

As for costs then a private dentist can charge more than a NHS one. See link for the differences between the 2. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/dentists/article/private-and-nhs-dental-charges-al0jA6J1Swyl

I'm not sure where it got confusing but my question was "how do I get free or cheap treatment as I am on UC and cannot afford to go private".

As I said, I have contacted OVER FORTY dentists remotely near me and none will help. Even ones listed on the NHS link you provided. I literally cannot find a dentist who will take on anyone who is not willing to pay private fees. Mentioning UC does not make any difference, it's basically a case of "pay us the private fees or **** off".

Hope that helps clarify it.

poppy12345

Not sure what else you can do other than to try again in a couple of months. Sorry, i know it doesn't help but i'm not sure how anyone here can help.

Spoonie_Turtle

Maybe ask over on the Health and Beauty board - there are 3 members there who are dentists who may know how you can find a practice taking NHS patients.  If not, they may be able to at least explain why it can be so difficult to find one.

[Deleted User]

Try a Bupa practise if you can - when I had gum problems last Autumn, whilst I had to travel to a neighbouring county to get a dentist, I'm sure I do recall the Receptionist actively asking if I was on Universal Credit.

sheramber

is there a dental training school near you as they  give free treatment by students under supervision.

sammyjammy

I believe if you contact 111 they can tell you if any NHS dentists in the area have availability, if there is no availability you can get added to a list but when offered a dentist you have to take it or you are removed from the list.

This is based on my sisters experience recently, she lives in Exeter but I've no reason to believe its not a national thing