Question about NHS and private dentists

[IdrisTheDragon]

My teeth are not in a good state. I have been going to the dentist for a while - when I first went they said I needed too much doing to be able to be an NHS patient and that I had to be private for them to be able to do the work.

At the time I was working and had dental insurance through work so was able to claim most of it back. Now I'm not working so the cost of it seems rather more.

I was wondering if (a) dentists generally won't take you as an NHS patient if your teeth are in a mess ie you need lots doing and (b) if not can I somehow find an NHS dentist to keep doing the work for me? My children go to the same dentist as me, but I presume I could transfer them as well.

Thank you

[IdrisTheDragon]

Bump

[louismummy]

to find a nhs dentist, you need to phone your local pct and they will find you a dentist in the local area taking on nhs patients. As regard the amount of work required they may suggest a treatment plan, that could possible mean extractions and possible dentures ( depending on the state of your teeth) that you may not find acceptable. as regard your childeren they could stay at their existing practice, or move with you to your new one ( but since they have a current nhs dentist, then the pct has no obligation to find them a nhs dentist. hth

[VelvetPlum]

That doesn't sound right.
Certain treatments/ procedures will only be offered on a private basis - cosmetic stuff, I think - but I'm sure that an NHS dentist cant refuse you on the grounds of how much NHS treatment you need.

I'll have a quick google...

[VelvetPlum]

SKY news report which suggests this is breaking their NHS contract

Sorry, ahven't read it fully, just scanned it but may be of use.

And this which seems to have a reply from a dentist saying that this practice is not allowed.

[IdrisTheDragon]

Thanks for that - I am now starting to wonder if I did get duped a bit .

I suppose I did agree to it at the time but I didn't realise that it might not have been what should have happened.

I definitely did get examined first and had gone to them as I knew they did offer NHS places.

I think I will get in touch with my PCT as if there's any possibility of getting it done on the nhs I would like to (having looked at the bands for treatment, I just paid almost the top band for two small fillings on Monday).

[IdrisTheDragon]

I suppose it could well be to do with having had some white fillings. But I have had two extractions and paid for them privately. Wish I could have paid for them at NHS rates.

[VelvetPlum]

Yeah, I dont thnk you can have white fillings on the NHS.
Good idea about contacting your PCT.