Why do i get Hygienest charges at the dentist

teddysmum wrote: »

After she has done my checkup, my NHS dentist asks if I'd like a scale and polish. She does this immediately and the charge is just the normal band 1 fee.

It's interesting reading this. That's the way my dentist always operated but no longer. I'd assumed this change was just in my local practice but reading other posts it obviously isn't.


We have a family private dental package which we were almost forced to join some years ago when NHS dentists in our area were almost impossible to find (like Hens' teeth;)). My DD has needed quite a lot of treatment so we've probably got value for money over the years.


So because of the package, I don't know how much each individual bit of treatment costs. I have to say that some of the check ups I've had recently have been so incredibly cursory and quick they really wouldn't warrant paying over the odds for. I realise the dentist is highly qualified so we're paying for that but maybe someone else could be trained (as with nurses in GPs surgeries) to do a basic check .


We have a hygienist who does the scale and polish. She's very good. 2 visits a year are part of the package with her.


Other than the hygienist though our practice is going to h*ll in a handcart! The owner has been unwell on long term sick leave, his assistant on maternity leave and so we've had a string of locums staying for a few weeks/months at a time. The assistant is back now but seems to take time off whenever she wants as they're desperate to keep her happy. So we get cancelled appointments again and again!

Interesting post....as previously posted I see Maxio Facial for possible OLP and now think it is Burning Mouth Syndrome, I am registered with same NHS dental practice for over 25 years, again (sigh) without dentist as left (3rd in 5 years), my old dentist always cleaned my teeth, because she said I warranted her doing it and not hygienist.
She even asked my GP to do blood test years ago due to gum changes when I reached a certain age!!! After her the next dentist suggested I see hygienst and I explained what previous dentist said and she too did it on NHS.

Last dentist knew that I had ongoing dental issues and ongoing hosptial appt, he sent me to hygienst cost £44, hygienst then suggested I go to her 3- 4 times a year, when I complained and she spoke with dentist and he agreed see hgienist twice and he would clean along with my six monthly check ups, to say he was useless is unfair, he was just pushed for time and the company who seem to own many dentistup and down the country now - only provide a private hygienst.
I am seeing her tomorrow and sadly am of the opinion that the money is reluctantly spent but needed.
When I next see Maxio Facial I will ask them if they suggest I have a clinical need, and if and when there is a new dentist I will be happy to negotiate check up and clean twice and hygienst twice.....wish me luck