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Original poster

Hygienist for a "deep clean"?

44 replies

Spb123 · 19/04/2021 10:36

Just got back from the dentist. My teeth are in pretty good condition overall, but the dentist said I should book in with the hygienist for a "deep clean" as they are getting a bit stained from all the coffee I drink
The thing is, I remember them cleaning (scaling?) my teeth at previous appointments included within the Band 1 charge. I understand they don't do that at the moment due to covid and the vapour it generates. But it's ok for the hygienist to do it? I feel a bit like they're trying to rip me off, charging me nearly £70 for the hygienist to do something that the dentist usually would. But then, I suppose there must be a point to seeing the hygienist else they wouldn't exist

So how is it different to what the dentists used to do? Not sure whether to bother booking or not. Can anyone enlighten me regarding hygienists please?

OP posts:

Thighdentitycrisis · 19/04/2021 19:25

Last time I had a check the dentist did a v. brief scale and polish just to my lower front because they are difficult to clean/ crowded and he can see the rest of my teeth are cleaned well enough by me

Every time I go I dread them suggesting the hygienist to me as I don’t have loads of cash

Do they get stains off?

StCharlotte · 19/04/2021 20:21

Do they get stains off?

They most certainly do!

I went to the hygienist for a deep clean for the first time. It's like having new teeth

It cost £84 for a double appointment. I hated every second but it was worth every penny.

Sleepingdogs12 · 19/04/2021 20:42

I have been going to the hygienist following gum problems. Wish I had gone years ago, it was never suggested. She scraped away so much i thoight she was making sculptures out of my teeth.i would do this if you can find the money

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Dental health General health

Signalbox · 19/04/2021 20:54

The “clinically necessary” threshold for NHS-covered treatment is basically the minimum required to a) not be in pain and b) preserve enough teeth to chew food

This isn't true. NHS dentistry should provide "any treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain". This includes treatment to keep your gums healthy. This treatment can be carried out by the dentist or they can refer to a dental therapist or a dental hygienist but if it is treatment that is clinically necessary to keep your gums healthy it should be available on the NHS.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/what-dental-services-are-available-on-the-nhs/

AbstractHeart · 19/04/2021 21:16

I have a maternity exception card, would I still need to pay for the hygienist if it's needed?

VenusClapTrap · 19/04/2021 21:27

Well this thread’s been an education. I don’t know if I’m encouraged by how excellent the results of a hygienist session sounds or discouraged by how unpleasant it sounds!

mummabubs · 19/04/2021 21:38

@AbstractHeart

I have a maternity exception card, would I still need to pay for the hygienist if it's needed?

@AbstractHeart yes unfortunately you do. I'm 8 months pregnant and had to pay for the hygienist as they said this didn't count as routine NHS care.

SeaTurtles92 · 19/04/2021 21:42

Band 1 doesn't entitle you to a scale and polish only if it is clinically necessary, so if you have calculus. And even then we will only remove the calculus.

A hygienist with throughly clean all your teeth, remove stains and polish.

Just doing a scale doesn't remove stains.

SeaTurtles92 · 19/04/2021 21:44

[quote Signalbox]The “clinically necessary” threshold for NHS-covered treatment is basically the minimum required to a) not be in pain and b) preserve enough teeth to chew food

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/what-dental-services-are-available-on-the-nhs/[/quote]
And if is.
Band 2, perio.

If you have gingivitis which can be reversed it's home care and we will remove the calculus on band 1.

If you have periodontal issues it can be treated on the NHS but it would be band 2.

SeaTurtles92 · 19/04/2021 21:45

And I forgot to add the hygienist is worth every penny. Your teeth feel so nice and clean afterwards.

I get mine free but would definitely pay if I had to.

Signalbox · 19/04/2021 21:53

I have a maternity exception card, would I still need to pay for the hygienist if it's needed?

You shouldn’t have to pay for clinically necessary treatment. You would have to pay if you want cosmetic treatment.

Fastforwardtospring · 19/04/2021 21:58

I normally see a hygienist at least once a year but overdue because of Covid, I bought a Dentapix Sonic as I get a little stain on one of my front teeth which I’m self conscious about, best £10 I’ve spent on what could have been rubbish for a long time. Not only has it removed said stain but also removed all the tartar build up at the back of my lower front teeth, not the quickest and you have to keep going over but it’s taken it all off. Obviously this won’t replace my hygienist appts in normal times, I would rather a professional clean my teeth properly but I’m now not in desperate need of a hygienist appt.

AnotherCupOfTeaVicar · 19/04/2021 22:04

I'm NHS but paid £68 last week for a clean. Worth every penny but I have to save up

MrsFezziwig · 19/04/2021 22:13

I’m 31 and have never had a dentist clean my teeth in my life,

I’m twice your age and have never encountered a hygienist, despite being with a few different practices over the years. The dentist always used to do the scale and polish but now only descales my lower teeth. I like the sound of the hygienist so will enquire if we have one at our practice should I be lucky enough to be called for a check up ever again.

I would need a local anaesthetic though, the dentist had to arm wrestle me before I agreed to let him use the ultrasonic thingy!

silentpool · 19/04/2021 22:19

I go to the hygienist twice a year. Otherwise you are just storing up problems for the future. Pay now or pay far more later!

Signalbox · 19/04/2021 22:30

@Signalbox

I have a maternity exception card, would I still need to pay for the hygienist if it's needed?

You shouldn’t have to pay for clinically necessary treatment. You would have to pay if you want cosmetic treatment.

Just to add it’s not treatment with the hygienist you would be entitled to but treatment to maintain the health of your gums. This could also be carried out by a dentist.

SeaTurtles92 · 19/04/2021 22:35

@MrsFezziwig

I’m 31 and have never had a dentist clean my teeth in my life,

I would need a local anaesthetic though, the dentist had to arm wrestle me before I agreed to let him use the ultrasonic thingy!

You can go to any practice for a hygiene appointment as it is private treatment. Most will just pop you on the books as it is private.

gratedbeetroot · 19/04/2021 22:40

Our dentist doesn’t even have a hygienist! Pre covid they would give a very basic clean. Now they’re still not even doing routine check ups, I was due one last April :(

mooonstone · 19/04/2021 22:41

I see my dentist every 6 months. My teeth are virtually perfect so I’ve never had anything other than a scale and polish treatment at the dentist. They clean my teeth every appointment, but I never have much build up so it doesn’t take much time for them.

If you have significant build up, I can understand why they might advise a hygienist if the timing is tight. Once, I had a mouth guard moulded and they didn’t scale my teeth at the same appointment due to time constraints, however they did so the following week when I picked up my mouth guard

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