Dental charges query

kuepper

Had a check up today at my NHS dentist and he advised me 1)  i'd need root canal treatment which he'd do and 2) to see the hygienist re plaque build up for scale and polish ( oh those halcyon days when the dentist used to do that after a check up and it was all included in the price). . I was charged for the check up - £23.80, the Band 1 course of treatment- and booked appointment for root canal treatment but when I looked at the charge info on the NHS website later https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/understanding-nhs-dental-charges/  the charge for root canal treatment (Band 2 course of treatment ) is £65.20 but it says that includes everything in Band1 ie check up and diagnosis).

When I go back for the root canal treatment I'm sure I'll be expected to pay £65.20 but shouldn't I just be charged £65.20 in total as the treatment follows on from the diagnosis? The Band1 course of treatment also talks about scale and polish being included if 'clinically needed' yet I was told at reception I had to pay for it privately (I think about £40-50) but shouldn't that be included too if the dentist advised it?

Toothsmith

You're right regarding the charge, it should be the difference you'll be charged on completion of the root filling. I'm pretty sure that's what they'll charge you. 

As for hygienist, if the dentist just advised it as a preventative thing, then yes, they can charge a private fee - as the only thing NHS dental system pays towards prevention is lip service. If you had gum disease, and needed the treatment, it would be included. 

Spending a bit more time with the brush & interdental aids would also keep the plaque build up down. If you feel you're already doing the best job you can cleaning, then an appointment with the hygienist might not be a bad idea and rather than have them actually clean your teeth for you, get them to concentrate on the education part, and recommend particularly interdental cleaning aids. Listen carefully to that, realise what you need to improve - and put it into practise. It'll be the best money you've ever spent at the dentist

kuepper

Toothsmith said:

You're right regarding the charge, it should be the difference you'll be charged on completion of the root filling. I'm pretty sure that's what they'll charge you. 

As for hygienist, if the dentist just advised it as a preventative thing, then yes, they can charge a private fee - as the only thing NHS dental system pays towards prevention is lip service. If you had gum disease, and needed the treatment, it would be included. 

Spending a bit more time with the brush & interdental aids would also keep the plaque build up down. If you feel you're already doing the best job you can cleaning, then an appointment with the hygienist might not be a bad idea and rather than have them actually clean your teeth for you, get them to concentrate on the education part, and recommend particularly interdental cleaning aids. Listen carefully to that, realise what you need to improve - and put it into practise. It'll be the best money you've ever spent at the dentist

Thanks for all that info. Hope you're right about charge! Re the hygienist the reception staff said there were 2 types of cleaning with hygienist, sounded like one was 'normal' scale and polish whatever that means and other involves water jet though I'm sure dentist used to use that too in past. They weren't very expansive on the difference between them except the latter cost about £10 more, what do you think they mean and pros and cons of each?

Toothsmith

That's really up to them to explain, but it sounds like the second one finishes off with an air polish. 

It does make the teeth feel really nice & clean, and can sometimes be a bit better at removing quite ingrained stains. Doesn't add anything to the health outcome, but feels good.