Any benefits to an NHS dentist if not entitled to free treatment?

[Lostearrings]

When we moved to a new area 15 years ago, I was pregnant and so pleased to find an NHS dentist in the area who was taking on new patients. The DC subsequently joined this practice too. During Covid, I essentially got thrown off their lists and I haven’t been to the dentist since. A new dentist has opened up in the area and is taking on new NHS patients. I have signed up with them and am due to have an appointment this week. In reading the criteria, I am not entitled to free or reduced treatment as I am a middle aged woman not in receipt of any benefits other than child benefit & my children are teenagers. Is there any point in me signing up to this dentist? Am I right in thinking that they would charge me lower fees than I am likely to find at a private dentist? I am fortunate in that my teeth seem fine and that, whilst they’re not gleaming white & even, I don’t really care.

Interesting, I was with a NHS that dropped NHS patients and they did everything at a ridiculous speed under NHS. I managed to find another NHS and wow, they are brilliant, plus their hygienist was superb compared to the previous private appointments. I think it depends on the practice.

I have always been seen under an NHS dentist. The practice I go to often use newly qualified dentists, presumably for cost reasons.
Having a price cap on treatment costs is very important for me as I'm not in a position to pay hundreds. Luckily my teeth are in pretty good condition so the only fillings I have are caused by grinding them.
They do white fillings on the NHS if they would be visible when you smile. I had to pay for one at the back but not for the front one I snapped the tip off of.

They do white fillings on the NHS if they would be visible when you smile. I had to pay for one at the back but not for the front one I snapped the tip off of.

I certainly wouldn’t want any amalgam fillings, whether it would be front or back.

I would also be cautious about NHS crowns and would want reassurance about the quality. I got one while I was entitled to free treatment after having a child, but it had to be replaced after less than 10 years. I chose to go private and this one lasted nearly 30 years.

Presumably that was his first time signing up there to cost over £100 as the initial sign up examination is £112.

Its £73 for a routine checkup and £22 for an x-ray, hardly extortionate for a service requiring skill, many spend more getting their hair done.

I'm with an NHS dentist and don't qualify for free treatment. It's still a lot cheaper than private dental care is.