Private Dental Treatment ridiculously expensive.

[Tootsie321]

Went to the dentist last week as I had large filling come out and I had toothache. Dentist just put a temporary filling in as said that is all he can do on the NHS. Temporary filling lasted less than a day, so bought some Dentek and filled it myself.

I have really struggled over the weekend, so phoned dentist first thing this morning. He spoke to me and said that he couldn’t do anything else on the NHS, but if I wanted to be treated privately he could prepare and fill the tooth. I said that would be great and how much extra would I have to pay? He said the treatment would cost approx £400 plus I would also have to pay for the ppe required, which would be an extra £70! I think the normal NHS cost, for this type of treatment, is £60-70.

AIBU to say it is ridiculous that, if you have toothache, a dentist cannot treat you on the NHS, due to COVID. However he can treat you privately for a cost of £470, which is totally out of reach for many people?

I'm a private dentist and I'm really encouraged to see PP commenting about how long and expensive the training is and then you have crazy overheads on top of this to run a practice and this was before Covid! Our practice doesn't make much profit after everyone's paid and my boss has had to pay £40000 repairs in the last year and has still invested in lots of equipment to keep things safe and clean despite having no income for 4 months

Agree white fillings normally range from £90-180 and £400 should get you a reasonably priced crown or maybe an onlay which is like a crown but slightly different. This dentist hasn't communicated well if you're unsure as agreeing and consenting to the advised treatment is really important as well as understanding the likely time it will last for and any risks or complications. Try another dentist, it's best to find one you have good rapport with so you feel comfortable in their hands (despite the hazmat suits right now)

Go to a dental hospital I’m sure they do walk in for emergencies
Or used too