How do ordinary working people afford major dental treatment costs?

[Heereforagoodtime]

My husband has just called, having been to the dentist, and he needs a back tooth to either be worked on and crowned or removed. The cost of the work is going to be over £1k. I don't know about the cost of the removal but, if he had it taken out, it would mean he'd be without two consecutive teeth on one side. I've just had a look at implants and they are so expensive.

I have a feeling this won't be the last of his issues, either. His teeth are terrible.

How do ordinary working people, who don't get any assistance, afford dental care?!

We choose an NHS dentist

I agree with @tenpints and I’m not a dentist or know anyone personally who is a dentist. The last time I went to the dentist he was explaining to me that the government haven’t given enough financial support to NHS dentists for many years. Dental practices are businesses not charities and they have to make enough money to pay overheads and staff. Their training takes at least 8 years but my dentist feels that people don’t respect their skills. People will happily pay for mobile phone contracts, tv subscriptions, having hair/nails done but begrudge paying for denplan which cover the price of keeping most people’s teeth healthy.

Travel about 80 miles to an NHS dentist. Had my wisdom tooth removed which cost me nothing other than the check up fee (it was emergency treatment) the hygienist is expensive though, at £90 and not included in NHS treatment, but otherwise I feel very lucky to have this dentist and will keep it as long as I can.

I have an NHS dentist, a crown is still around £350 for a horrible black one. If you want white it will be classed as private and cost over £1000, I know as I have 2!
@Heereforagoodtime an extraction on the nhs is just under £50, I have one booked for 10 days time as a very old crown cannot be repaired. The cost of teeth suck!