So we literally cannot find an NHS dentist, anywhere

[nodentist]

What do we do? Nowhere taking on adults for NHS since we’ve moved. On the website tool it says a few are, but when you call them it transpires they are taking on… for the 5 year long waiting list. People on local Facebook groups are mentioning that some practices are refusing to take on children on the NHS unless their parents are paying privately!

Does anyone know how to get around it? I’ve not seen a dentist in four years since just before COVID, and I know I probably need a filling and who knows what else treatment. I feel embarrassed about my teeth even though they don’t look bad.

Even waiting for an emergency doesn't help. You're not allocated a dentist you can stay with, it's an emergency service, just like going to your local walk in centre isn't the same as having a GP. DP called 111 for help when he had an issue and they give one or 2 numbers of dentists taking emergencies. He called literally over 300 times when they opened as it was constantly engaged and then he only got an appointment as the woman he spoke to took pity on him!

Our local FB groups get at least one post a day asking for an NHS dentist. When one finally took on new patients recently they were absolutely inundated and closed the list within hours.

It's shocking how bad the system is. For those who say they won't move house - there's no catchment for a dentist like there is for aGP, if you can travel back, do that.

It’s also worth checking with some private dentists how much they charge for dc’s appointments as it varies. My DS’s private dentist charges £30 for a check up for kids, and £60 for adults. We both have one check up around every 9 months. Hygienist appointments are £55, and we have a couple of appointments each per year. We’re in the London commuter belt, and there’s loads of different private dentists locally. All can be booked online without joining as a new patient, and the cheapest has adult check-ups for £32.

One of the things I didn't realize was that the service if you are NHS isn't the same as private. I got a root canal done a few years ago, and I distinctly remember the dentist saying "that's the best I can do". I still had pain in the tooth afterwards for months (and still do) and commented to a dentist relative. He explained that in NHS dentistry they are limited to the resources they can use. In NHS you are only allowed to use one file in a root canal, but ordinarily it takes 3 to remove the root satisfactorily. I understand NHS dentists' hands are tied, but it's an utterly awful situation for those who can't afford to go privately.

Are all dentists not private?

My NHS dentist has just sent a message to all patients that they are no longer taking on NHS patients, from now on their practice is private! If you can afford it, they will keep you on, if not go elsewhere.

They were the last NHS dentist in my area. There are now none at all. I have no idea what I will do if I need treatment, I literally cannot afford private.

Basically there is only private dentistry available. The limited NHS places are reserved for kids, as they should be.

We have NHS treatment still but for how long is anyone’s guess.

Private dentistry isn't that expensive if you get a dental plan. I pay £19 pcm for me and my two small kids, giving a yearly check up for them, one for me and a hygienist appointment every six months.

It's also an awful lot better than the NHS dentistry I've had here (SW London) where they see you for about 3 minutes and you're out.

That’s £228 Pa for something that costs me £25.

Labour haven't promised to provide free dentistry for all, have they?

I go private and have never had an NHS dentist as an adult. I simply do not trust the NHS with my mouth following some awful experiences as a child and how they filled teeth unnecessarily etc) and don't like pain (the syringe method was invented during the reign of George the 5th and we shouldn't still need it)!

It's expensive and I'm far from well off, but I budget for it because it is worth it. Probably snobby of me but there you go.

https://labour.org.uk/updates/stories/just-announced-back-labours-plan-to-rescue-nhs-dentistry/

Same where I live. I had to go private

Abolishing non dom is due to fund an awful lot hey

I've gone private. I don't think it costs loads more and to be honest it's a much much better service but I appreciate not everyone can afford it.

Private is the only realistic option for most people.

NHS dentistry is dying. A change of government will not make any difference. It was Labour who brought in the crackers UDA contract in 2006, it’s amazing there are still any NHS practices at all working under that.

For Denplan you need to be dentally fit. How much you pay will depend on how good your teeth are. If you have heavily restored teeth, gum disease or a high decay rate your monthly direct debit will be higher. As a Pp said dental disease is largely preventable.

Seeing dental students is a free option. Expect each appointment to take 2-3 hours though, with no provision during University holidays. A course of treatment consisting of exam, x rays, cleaning, a filling would probably take 12 hours of your time.

You're being taken for a ride.

Mine is private for me, free for the kids, who are seen every 6 months. I'm seen annually and pay £30 for a basic checkup. No hygienist unless I want an appt, but my dental care is good enough not to need one.

It was £60 last year including an x-ray for me and each of my kids. You're paying 4x that. If you think it's worth it. go for it, but £25pcm seems steep.

I agree with this. Sadly, I think that NHS dentistry will be a thing of the past, regardless of who is in government. If we're lucky, kids may still be covered in future, but adults will be expected to pay privately.

Private is not realistic for most people. £25 pm for something that costs £25 per annum is a massive outlay for families. £50pm for the adults!

I currently do a three hour round trip to get to the dentist. Last time I was in I asked how long their waiting list is and they said 5k people 😱

I pay for an insurance policy through work with allowances for things like dentistry, optometrist etc. Same for a private healthcare policy.

If you have a comfortable income, then just pay for an insurance policy. Obviously not feasible for people on the ‘bones of their arses’ but have little sympathy for people on comfortable incomes (holidays/home renovation) etc bellyaching about paying for their own dental care.

@ColonelBrandonsPiano is it bellyaching if they need to pay for their own non dental operation ?

No, I couldn't. After getting an abscess in my wisdom tooth, (ouch!) I just used a credit card and went to a private dentist.

Shame though - there should be more NHS dentists.

You pay £300 a year for 2 checkups and 2 hygienist visits, but would have to pay extra for any work you would need doing??? That doesn't seem very affordable!

Why does anyone need two hygenist visits a year?