To not understand how the dentist works? Can someone please explain?

[WannabeOT]

This probably sounds stupid but I just do not get how the dentist system works. We moved to this area 18 months ago and I still haven't registered us anywhere.

Firstly, none of the practices around here advertise on their websites whether they take NHS patients. I have no idea what I would need to pay for or how much. I would go as a private patient but I worry I'm going to get talked into something that costs ££. I'd get dental insurance but again no idea where to start.

I need 2 year old DD to have a check up. some of the dentist's around here say not taking children on their NHS page . I have contacted one place about joining and their website says a child check up is £32, do children not get NHS treatment as standard?

The prices on the various websites also vary massively. Standard checks up varying from 40-£80, they all seem to advertise Botox or cosmetic dentistry all over their home pages. I just want a normal family dentists, does that actually exist anymore?

Find the location of your local community dental practice, your gp or dentistry at your local hospital will have the details. They will almost always see children and adults depending on if you have underlying anxiety problems and if not be able to direct you to local NHS practices that are taking on.

They recommended booking a clean with the hygienist but I'm going to wait until nhs start taking patients again to do that as its not emergency.

Hygienist appointments are only available on a private basis AFAIK, they operate from NHS dental practices but you have to pay regardless.

Hygienist appointments are only available on a private basis AFAIK, they operate from NHS dental practices but you have to pay regardless.

I'm fairly sure you can get them on the NHS if "clinically necessary". However IME dentists like to promote seeing the hygienist privately if it's not bad enough to get it on the NHS.