Private dentist?

[Worrywart70]

Hello

I have used a private dentist for a few years (thanks to covid). I'm struggling to see the difference between this dentist and an NHS one? Aside from the cost!

The private dentist works within a nhs dentist, so aren't they just using the same equipment etc as the nhs ones? But charging loads?

The appointments aren't even convenient.

The dentist herself is lovely. But would I be better off going to a solely private one?

I'm terrified every time I go of huge bills go of into the £1000's

Mixed practice is really common.

NHS dentistry provides you with clinically necessary treatment only. Therefore there is absolutely a difference between private & NHS dentistry.

Of course, however, if you find that they aren't offering convenient appointments I would have a look around for a dentist with late night / weekend opening hours after all if you are a private patient, you should at least be able to have access to more convenient appointment times if you need them.

Mine is wholly private and emergency appointments have been good, but, it costs a lot of money.

I would expect the equipment they use and the way they use it to be fairly standard. The only real difference is who pays the bill at the end. The NHS, or the patient.

With a private dentist, you are paying for the convenience of being able to be seen when you want, ring up and change last minute, have work done that isn't available on the NHS, and probably a nicer, calmer environment.

You're looking at this all wrong. The private one isn't overcharging you. The NHS one is subsidised massively by the NHS.

Look for one with a monthly payment plan. Very good value if you need regular check ups and hygienists.

Thanks all.

Good point, I don't know what special equipment I expected. Not like I want to sit on a gold throne (well only a bit).

I'll ask them about the payment plan and maybe have a little shop around.

It's so expensive to look after your teeth

Private dentistry comes into its own when you need non-routine treatment. I agree for normal check ups and fillings there probably isn't a benefit, but the wait times for other stuff are massively reduced. I had been waiting 18 months for specialist root canal treatment on the NHS, went to a private one and it was done within a fortnight.

You get to see them quicker. You can have non-essential treatment. Eg. Repair of a tooth fracture which doesn't cause any health or structural issues to the tooth

I pay £27 a month and get 2 dentist and 4 hygienist appointments a year. Never had any additional treatment/ costs.