NHS Dental Charges

[Aggers]

Today I went to my dentist for my 6-monthly check-up. This usually costs £18.80,
including a scale and polish.

Today, after just a brief look-over by the dentist, I was transferred to an Hygienist who
did the scale and polish. When I came to pay, it was £18.80 plus £31.00, total £49.90 .

This sounds like a racket to me The dentist did ask me if I would like to see the Hygienist
and I agreed, but as he didn't do a scale and polish I didn't expect to have to pay an
additional £31 on top of his usual fee.

What do you think?

[saundra]

And they don't tell you about the price till you pay gggrrr

[Workingman]

I would be tempted to go back and "have words" especially if there were no signs saying your previous dental package had changed.

[Rodo]

You are extremely lucky that you only pay £18.80 for a checkup. I have to pay £50 every time.

[cruiser2]

Our dentist went private when the Government changed the rules several years ago.
We now pay about £26.00 each month. I have two check ups and a scale and polish each year and mrs.e has four each year. This is because she has some false teeth. He has also done some additional minor work without any extra charge. He is very good and we can make a new appointment at our convenience.

[Weka]

Blimey I'm moving back. A check up here is in the hundreds.

But aggers, that's a bit underhanded. They should have advised if there were extra charges

[Kaz]

You should have been advised up front about the hygenist charges. That fee is usual I'm afraid, as the hygienist at my NHS practice charges roughly that, as well

[TheOstrich]

You are extremely lucky that you only pay £18.80 for a checkup. I have to pay £50 every time.

Absolutely! We had to go private when we moved up here 15 years ago because there were no NHS dentists taking people on. We each pay £130 a year for two 6 monthly checkups + scale and polish, and get 10% off any other work.

Last month I had a worn-out crown replaced and it was £360.

[Kaz]

The NHS have to provide you with an NHS dentist if you want one. It can be difficult - I have to travel to Cheltenham from Gloucester for mine - but it is their duty!

[Osc]

Don't move here! Recently we changed dentist as we didn't like the other one. Mr Osc had to get quite a few fillings and I think he paid about €700 in all I just had to get one and an old one replaced and it cost €350. We both go to the hygienist twice a year and it costs €80 each every time Under our health service we are only entitled to one check every two years unless you have a medical card (which we don't) and then you could be waiting literally years for a basic check up with no control over what dentist you use.