AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Just had a card through saying I'm due for an annual check-up.

I'm one of the few people who actually has an NHS dentist, and in that respect I count myself lucky. However, what usually happens is that he pokes around for a couple of minutes, then tells me my teeth are basically OK (which they are - no problems there) but that I need a follow-up with the hygenist for a scale and polish.

The hygenist works privately and charges about £35 for half an hour of painful grinding and scratching, which last time left me looking like an extra from a bad vampire movie!


Is that what I should expect, or have they got a nice little racket going on?

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

i pay a direct debit for mine about £8 i think via my practices own plan and i get about 15-20 mins with the hygienist (scale and polish) and about 5 mins with the dentist (i've never had any problems with my teeth but the bottom front ones overlap slightly which is a accumalates tartar quite easily).

i get this done every 6 months.

PaulC72

We have the scale and polish from our dentist when in the chair and it all comes part of the £16 checkup cost {or whatever it is now} so it sounds like a bit of an extra money thing .

Jamescsti

I have an NHS dentist too, and as with PaulC I get a scale and polish from the dentist as part of the check up for about £16.

sounds like they are running a scam type thing

BOB.T

My hygienist wedges my head between her breasts to keep me still, it's really quite a pleasant experience! I think I'm due a check up actually

53

iTrader: (41)

Depends on the amount of scale and polish required. My NHS dentist operates in the same way although will do a quick 'clean' during the check up. Interestingly as I have no dental issues I am only seen once a year which I put down to the pressure of patient lists.

cster

On the NHS, £16.20 will include Exam, X-rays and routine (eg every six months) scaling and polishing.
If the visit to the hygienist is prescribed from your NHS visit for the examination, I would have thought there may have been a mistake made somewhere along the line.
I would suggest you might first take this up with your dentist, and if not satisfied then contact the local PCT.

MattW

Annual? Should go every 6 months!

Coffin Dodger

If you were private though I'm sure they'd be able to find some work that would need doing on your teeth too so think yourself lucky!

You don't need to go every 6 months, I haven't been for years and my teeth are fine. If I get pain then I'll visit the dentist. It's the bodies natural way of telling you something is wrong

SiPie

....and just cross your fingers that you notice any early signs of oral cancer yourself

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Don't think I've been to a dentist since i was 15. Brush my teeth everyday with Aquafresh and it's doing the trick.

I would like to go for a check up, but simply cannot afford it anymore.

MJW

Whoa ! Maybe I should've gone with Denplan if the service is that good !

Leslie

As long as you can keep on breathing of course!

Just had a chipped tooth repaired with the magic paste which goes hard in no time with intense blue light! Totally painless and cost £29. Hope it lasts anyway.

Les

mart360

5 mins (if that in the chair) lol

see you in 12 months


no work needed (ever )


Mart

zs_phil

iTrader: (1)

my dentist is a woman and so is the assistant i know what i expect but dont get


when im laid down i have to stop thinking wise id stand to attention

RRH

I used to complain about paying 30 quid a month for private dental care- until I needed root canal treatment that took about six months (not continuously).

Not sure we have any NHS dentists any more, and tbh I always found the last NHS dentist I had rushed stuff- like drilling fillings before the anaesthetic took effect etc- which put me off going.