Dentists
12 April 2005, 08:55 PM
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Dentists
Can someone on here please explain how dentists are run these days?
A couple of years ago the dentist my whole family had been using for years informed everyone that they was going private. Fair enough. Didn't fancy signing up for one of their dental plans as I've never really had any problems with my teeth (1 filling
) and I was perfectly happy with an NHS dentist (and prices ).
So I leave it a year as I was moving down the road a bit and was not overly concerned about finding one straight away (don't particulary like going to the dentist anyway). Then I realise how hard it is to get an NHS dentist in this area (Portsmouth). There are still some around but none of them are taking on NHS patients these days.
I've come to the conclusion that I should bite (pun) the bullet and just accept that it's gonna cost me lots of beer tokens to keep my teeth healthy. But I don't really understand how it all works!! I've popped into a couple of dentists and they have informed me 'not taking on new patients at the moment, try in a few months'. Thinking about it now, is it likely they assumed I wanted to become an NHS patient? Surely you can just go to any private dentist and receive a pay as you go type service???
Then you've got these dental plans - I can get one through work for about £12 a month which includes 6-monthly checkups and hygenist costs, but I still don't understand which dentist I would go to?! Would I still have to find one to take me on, or could I go to any, or would they recommend one?! There are so many about, but no type of grading system/information about them - do most people just go on word of mouth (another pun)
It just really annoys me that I know so little about all this, as I'm usually quite savvy when it comes to most things in life - this has really thrown me! My parents have no idea as they have just stayed with their original dentist (who to top it all off has gone back to being NHS!). I was quite happy just popping along to my NHS dentist every 6 months!
Can someone clear this up for me? <- (what my teeth used to look like!)
J
A couple of years ago the dentist my whole family had been using for years informed everyone that they was going private. Fair enough. Didn't fancy signing up for one of their dental plans as I've never really had any problems with my teeth (1 filling
) and I was perfectly happy with an NHS dentist (and prices ).So I leave it a year as I was moving down the road a bit and was not overly concerned about finding one straight away (don't particulary like going to the dentist anyway
). Then I realise how hard it is to get an NHS dentist in this area (Portsmouth). There are still some around but none of them are taking on NHS patients these days.I've come to the conclusion that I should bite (pun
) the bullet and just accept that it's gonna cost me lots of beer tokens to keep my teeth healthy. But I don't really understand how it all works!! I've popped into a couple of dentists and they have informed me 'not taking on new patients at the moment, try in a few months'. Thinking about it now, is it likely they assumed I wanted to become an NHS patient? Surely you can just go to any private dentist and receive a pay as you go type service??? Then you've got these dental plans - I can get one through work for about £12 a month which includes 6-monthly checkups and hygenist costs, but I still don't understand which dentist I would go to?! Would I still have to find one to take me on, or could I go to any, or would they recommend one?! There are so many about, but no type of grading system/information about them - do most people just go on word of mouth (another pun
)It just really annoys me that I know so little about all this, as I'm usually quite savvy when it comes to most things in life - this has really thrown me! My parents have no idea as they have just stayed with their original dentist (who to top it all off has gone back to being NHS!). I was quite happy just popping along to my NHS dentist every 6 months!
Can someone clear this up for me?
<- (what my teeth used to look like!)J
12 April 2005, 09:08 PM
#2
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As I understand it, you can go 'private' at any Dentist you wish ..... its finding one to treat you on the NHS thats the big problem.
The government are rapidly accepting eastern block dentists on the NHS scheme, so - eventually - the situation may ease.
The £12 a month offer you have is excellent value as it includes 6 monthly check-ups (although its now stated that 12 monthly check-ups are quite sufficient)
Pete
The government are rapidly accepting eastern block dentists on the NHS scheme, so - eventually - the situation may ease.
The £12 a month offer you have is excellent value as it includes 6 monthly check-ups (although its now stated that 12 monthly check-ups are quite sufficient)
Pete
12 April 2005, 09:41 PM
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I think I have no choice but to go private. I was a bit inaccurate with my description of the dental plan, just had a proper look at the cover:
All the benefits of Key Dental Cover plus a contribution towards the cost of routine dental treatment.
Regular and preventative dental care
up to £40 routine examinations per year
up to £50 routine hygiene treatment per year
up to £35 dental x-rays per year
75% of the cost of remedial or restorative treatment, up to £190 per year (e.g. fillings, crowns and bridges etc).
It's actually £13.45 per month, and £40 might not cover 2 checkups? Although I think, like you say, once a year would be enough. This is Denplan essential cover - anyone else got this and know how much it normally costs.
So I've just got to sign up, find a dentist, and tell them I'm with Denplan - is it that easy? Works out about £161 a year.... ouch!
All the benefits of Key Dental Cover plus a contribution towards the cost of routine dental treatment.
Regular and preventative dental care
up to £40 routine examinations per year
up to £50 routine hygiene treatment per year
up to £35 dental x-rays per year
75% of the cost of remedial or restorative treatment, up to £190 per year (e.g. fillings, crowns and bridges etc).
It's actually £13.45 per month, and £40 might not cover 2 checkups? Although I think, like you say, once a year would be enough. This is Denplan essential cover - anyone else got this and know how much it normally costs.
So I've just got to sign up, find a dentist, and tell them I'm with Denplan - is it that easy? Works out about £161 a year.... ouch!
13 April 2005, 02:02 AM
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It will be interesting to see the answers to this thread because I'm in the same position as you.
I went to uni and signed up with an nhs dentist while I was there.
I came back home and my own dentist had gone private.
And me being a student type at that stage couldn't afford to join any plans.
So as a result I haven't been to a dentist for a while now.
Lucky I have good teeth but I want to keep them that way.
No fillings so far.
Now I have a baby with 6teeth!
I'm sure your supposed to take them at an early age to be checked over too.
(Ha that will be fun!)
I really don't understand how it works.
Also how does it work for women who have just had babies?
Don't they get some cover for free?
Sorry for highjacking the thread but its been on my mind too!
thanks
cath
I went to uni and signed up with an nhs dentist while I was there.
I came back home and my own dentist had gone private.
And me being a student type at that stage couldn't afford to join any plans.
So as a result I haven't been to a dentist for a while now.
Lucky I have good teeth but I want to keep them that way.
No fillings so far.
Now I have a baby with 6teeth!
I'm sure your supposed to take them at an early age to be checked over too.
(Ha that will be fun!)
I really don't understand how it works.
Also how does it work for women who have just had babies?
Don't they get some cover for free?
Sorry for highjacking the thread but its been on my mind too!
thanks
cath
13 April 2005, 07:17 AM
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I had the same NHS dentist from age 8-23 who was very good...then a couple of years ago she retired.....at 40!
I now have another amazingly good NHS dentist at the same practice who is a top chap and has a reputation as being one of the best in the area. He'll see me at a few hours notice if needs be, is on very friendly terms with the specialists at local hospital (no waiting lists for me when i needed some surgery ) and charges very reasonable prices. I've also got a dental plan through work which costs me about £7 a month so all my charges/costs are paid for too. His dental nurse is also amazingly attractive.......it's almost fun going to the dentist for me
I now have another amazingly good NHS dentist at the same practice who is a top chap and has a reputation as being one of the best in the area. He'll see me at a few hours notice if needs be, is on very friendly terms with the specialists at local hospital (no waiting lists for me when i needed some surgery
) and charges very reasonable prices. I've also got a dental plan through work which costs me about £7 a month so all my charges/costs are paid for too. His dental nurse is also amazingly attractive.......it's almost fun going to the dentist for me
Last edited by Nat; 13 April 2005 at 07:19 AM.
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13 April 2005, 07:23 AM
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Do you get a better service through private than NHS.My teeth arent the best but my NHS dentist never gives me any advice,discusses anything.Its just open wide/filling (or not) next please.
Also last time i went he gave me a huge filling,lower front.I'd have paid more sop that it looked better,ie white filling but he never gave me that option.
It may be more expensive,but will i get a better service private?
Final question,why do Americans have such good teeth.What do they do that we dont?
Also last time i went he gave me a huge filling,lower front.I'd have paid more sop that it looked better,ie white filling but he never gave me that option.
It may be more expensive,but will i get a better service private?
Final question,why do Americans have such good teeth.What do they do that we dont?
13 April 2005, 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by paulr
Do you get a better service through private than NHS.My teeth arent the best but my NHS dentist never gives me any advice,discusses anything.Its just open wide/filling (or not) next please.
Also last time i went he gave me a huge filling,lower front.I'd have paid more sop that it looked better,ie white filling but he never gave me that option.
It may be more expensive,but will i get a better service private?
Final question,why do Americans have such good teeth.What do they do that we dont?
Also last time i went he gave me a huge filling,lower front.I'd have paid more sop that it looked better,ie white filling but he never gave me that option.
It may be more expensive,but will i get a better service private?
Final question,why do Americans have such good teeth.What do they do that we dont?
They train their dentists differently. British dentists are renound for being some of the worst in the Western World.
People in America make constant remarks along the lines of "Wow, you have nice teeth for an English person .. "
Steve.
13 April 2005, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by paulr
Final question,why do Americans have such good teeth.What do they do that we dont?
Pete
13 April 2005, 09:30 AM
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Shambles.
Most of the dentists that are going private now were trained for free at public expense at our wonderful universities, in anticipation that they would staff the NHS into the future. Had this discussion with my dentist when he went private and wanted £16/month for a dental plan. I normally only pay £20-30 twice a year so the sums just don't work for me.
Would like to know if NHS dentists are just working in the NHS out of a sense of owing something to society for their training, or whether it is an economically viable way of working.
Anyone else remember T. Bliar's promise in 1999, NHS dentistry for all within 2 years, still waiting ... but this time it will be different
Bliar's promise
Tuesday, September 28, 1999 Published at 15:25 GMT 16:25 UK
Health
Blair: NHS dentistry for all
Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised that everybody will have easy access to an NHS dentist within the next two years.
Would like to know if NHS dentists are just working in the NHS out of a sense of owing something to society for their training, or whether it is an economically viable way of working.
Anyone else remember T. Bliar's promise in 1999, NHS dentistry for all within 2 years, still waiting ... but this time it will be different
Bliar's promise
Tuesday, September 28, 1999 Published at 15:25 GMT 16:25 UK
Health
Blair: NHS dentistry for all
Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised that everybody will have easy access to an NHS dentist within the next two years.
13 April 2005, 09:53 AM
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7Foot....
DocJock's good....here's his profile...look him up...
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/member.php?userid=2048
DocJock's good....here's his profile...look him up...
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/member.php?userid=2048
13 April 2005, 01:01 PM
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Blair should give us a tax rebate for paying private. Why should I pay for a fooking NHS dentist to drive round in a 5 Series BMW when he won't bloody treat me 
13 April 2005, 02:06 PM
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Thanks for the advice, was mainly looking for the thoughts/feelings of people who are in a similar situation.
Not sure who you are referring to there - but maybe whoever asked the question/s to which you are referring was after an impartial opinion from someone outside of the dental industry.
Jamie
Originally Posted by Tiggs
why dont you ask a dentisit??????????????????????????????
Jamie
13 April 2005, 07:07 PM
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Ears burning !
"Would like to know if NHS dentists are just working in the NHS out of a sense of owing something to society for their training, or whether it is an economically viable way of working."
My NHS Practice stays that way because of my socialist principles. Yes, it is harder work than private practice, but I don't starve.
BTW as already alluded to earlier in this thread, if every graduate had to commit to a minimum of 10 years NHS service or pay back the costs of their training there would be less of a shortage. Too easy for politicians to understand ?
Jamie
If you want NHS treatment and don't mind driving up the road to Southampton drop me a pm.
Joan
Cheque is in the post
Watty
Heard ya !
"Would like to know if NHS dentists are just working in the NHS out of a sense of owing something to society for their training, or whether it is an economically viable way of working."
My NHS Practice stays that way because of my socialist principles. Yes, it is harder work than private practice, but I don't starve.
BTW as already alluded to earlier in this thread, if every graduate had to commit to a minimum of 10 years NHS service or pay back the costs of their training there would be less of a shortage. Too easy for politicians to understand ?
Jamie
If you want NHS treatment and don't mind driving up the road to Southampton drop me a pm.
Joan
Cheque is in the post
Watty
Heard ya !
Last edited by DocJock; 13 April 2005 at 07:09 PM.
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