Dental fees & NHS entitlement

[Garlicked]

My teeth are utterly fucked and I need jaw surgery, which can't be done until the teeth are fixed. I'm a State pensioner, so have very little money but I get PIP and, because of that, pension credit. This entitles me to NHS treatment. As we all know, however, dentists aren't doing NHS work.

My question is whether private dentists can claim back the portion of the fees which the NHS would cover? So, if I need something they charge at £500 and the NHS would pay £150, should they be able to charge me £350 and get the difference back?

I haven't been able to find out whether the NHS has a list of approved dentists but won't pay others? If I ask at a dental practice, they look as if I've asked for their firstborn in a tasty stew 🤨 and tell me to go to the Dental Access Centre - which isn't accepting new patients.

There are only a few practices here and I don't want to scare them all off, so am hoping somebody knows for sure! If there's some form I need or a particular wording, I could approach with more confidence. Or am I stuck with Poverty Teeth until they all fall out?

@FiveTreeHill "What dental department is that? How many hospitals do you know that have a dental department?"

I've worked at 4. They're not uncommon

No, if you go to an NHS dentist, you get treatment at that rate. If you go privately, you pay the cost.

@FiveTreeHill @pambeesleyhalpert
Most areas have a hospital with a dental/ oral surgery department. I’m one too!

I am very lucky as I have a good nhs dentist only 280 miles from my home.

Argh! 😬

Thank you for the input and tips, people. It's startling how many still think everyone in the UK can get dental treatment when they need it.

I've read the T&Cs of every dental plan available here. Unsurprisingly, none cover pre-existing conditions or outstanding treatments (same as health insurance). Get your dentals up to date and take out a plan, because the NHS ain't gonna step in for you.