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Health and well-being

Dentists

The National Health Service (NHS) provides dental treatment considered necessary for oral health. It is available to everyone registered with the NHS. Private dental treatment provides an alternative source of dental treatments, including some which are not available under the NHS.

Types of dentist and treatments

You can use an NHS dentist or a private dentist depending on the type of treatment you would like and how much you are able to afford.

NHS dentists

You can get the following treatments from your NHS dentist:

  • an examination and assessment
  • x-rays
  • non-surgical treatment like scaling, polishing, periodontal (gum) treatments, marginal fillings and oral hygiene instruction
  • surgical treatments like wisdom and other tooth removal
  • fillings
  • root canal fillings
  • other treatments like bridges, veneers, crowns, inlays, dentures and disease management
  • referral to a dental hospital for specialist treatment


Private dentistry

You can receive a wide range of treatments if you choose to go private, either with your NHS dentist or another practice. Private dental treatment provides some specialist treatment and cosmetic dentistry that is not available under the NHS. For example, you can have white fillings on your back teeth - something that is not available on the NHS.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists specialise in moving and straightening teeth by using orthodontic appliances, such as braces. They help improve the function and health of your teeth and gums by giving you an even bite on all your teeth.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists work in dental practices, scaling and polishing teeth, giving periodontal (gum) treatments and oral health promotion advice.

Registering with a local NHS dentist

Some dentists may require you to have an initial examination. Once completed, your period of registration will last for 15 months.

Having a check up

To avoid major problems developing, your dentist will recommend how often you will need a check up. Guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends you should have a dental check-up depending on your needs and on the basis of an assessment of disease levels and risk of or from dental disease. They recommend that for under 18s an interval between check ups should be between three and 12 months. For adults the interval between check ups should be between three and 24 months.

The cost of NHS treatment

Private costs are set individually by each dentist and practice and therefore vary from practice to practice. It is advisable to get a written estimate and treatment plan before starting any private dental treatment.

You may be able to get help with your NHS dental costs if you are:

  • under 16
  • under 18 and in full-time education
  • pregnant or have just given birth
  • on a low income

Read the Department of Health's HC11 leaflet to see if you are entitled to free or reduced NHS treatment.

Your rights

Your dentist should:

  • explain to you the benefits and drawbacks of any treatment they recommend
  • explain any alternatives that may be available
  • have your permission before any treatment is carried out - you can refuse treatment if you do not want it (although if your dentist considers you need it they may refuse to continue treating you)
  • explain your dental records to you if you have any problems in understanding them

As an NHS patient, you are:

  • free to get a second opinion - be aware, if another dentist charges you privately for this, the NHS will not cover this cost
  • entitled to stop the treatment if you are not satisfied with it
  • entitled to refuse payment for the treatment if it is proved to be unsatisfactory
  • able to inspect your records and x-rays at anytime (within 40 days of a written request), free of charge - if you would like copies, you may have to pay for these
  • entitled to emergency treatment within 24 hours

Private dentists are obliged to provide similar emergency cover for their patients.

If you are a member of a private dental insurance scheme, the rules of the scheme will usually mean that the dentist has to give you a fixed period of notice to end the scheme. Your dentist must finish your present course of treatment and provide you with any emergency treatment you need in the meantime.

Missing an appointment

Many practices will charge you if you miss an appointment or cancel one at short notice. However, they must tell you beforehand that they do this.

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