To ask how on earth anyone gets access to an NHS dentist anymore

[Burnt0utMum]

I need an NHS dentist for me, DH and 2 kids. We can't afford private even through my work benefits. I've been searching and calling and literally cannot find a single dentist accepting NHS patients within a 50 mile radius. I'm willing to travel if necessary but would prefer not to. It's just ridiculous that there's nowhere offering the service. I know I have mild gum disease but I'm priced our of getting it treated. How does anyone get dental treatment without high costs these days?

It’s an absolute shambles! I’m lucky that I have a private dentist with a reasonable insurance plan but not everyone is fortunate enough to even have access to that- or indeed be able to afford even reasonable insurance. My DH has no insurance and just uses my private dentist for emergencies. He’s been quoted £5k for the work he actually needs doing. My children do fortunately have an NHS dentist but check ups have been reduced from 6 monthly to yearly and the check ups are extremely perfunctory (although the dentist seems lovely). The practice they go to does take on adult NHS patients but the waiting list is 4 years!!! I don’t know any adults who actually use an NHS dentist.

I don't think ive ever had an NHS dentist appointment.

I try to take really great care of my teeth and budget for it. I do need a filling though 😁

I'm feeling really fortunate as we've just been able to register for an NHS dentist round the road from us. We called in June and were put on a waiting list an got a call on Monday there to say that was us added and our appointment is on the 30th.

I'm a foster carer and asked my dentist if my child could see him on the NHS. I was told that NHS allowances basically just covered the quick look and scale & polish. There was no money for actual treatment.

Saying that, I now have a second foster child and looked at 'Find a Dentist' on the NHS website. I phoned the first one and have an appointment for early November.

It’s so different depending isn’t it

The dc get invited every six months and get an appointment straight away (London so busy)

I pay but I don’t need more than a hygienist, so far anyway

There are none near me anymore. I got taken off the list in covid. I just had to pay £650 for treatment privately. Luckily l have a credit card.

I drive the 2 hour round trip every 6 months because I've been with them since I was a child and it's hopeless trying to find one more local. I know I'm 'lucky' that I even have access to an NHS dentist at all, but dental and healthcare shouldn't be a privilege!

My NHS dentist stopped being NHS last year. I've stuck with them as they will see DD for a free check up every time I go so really I pay for 2 X check up and 2 X hygienist per year which is around £250 and manageable. Dreading if either of us need treatment though!

My 4yo complained of tooth ache a couple of months ago. I called every NHS dentist within miles also and every one practically laughed at me down the phone. I had no choice but to go private 😬

Exactly this. I actually had an NHS dentist and gave up my place to go private. Was sick of being in the chair for 4 minutes, having my teeth counted then told to come back in 12 months. My private dentist spends ages examining my mouth (not just teeth) and told me I have been grinding my teeth for years. My NHS dentist never mentioned anything like that 🙄🤔 The NHS service is woeful.

Have just written to my MP. Not hopeful that it'll make much difference but worth a shot.

17 year old daughter had bad toothache recently. A problem wisdom tooth that had caused an infection. No choice but to go private. Initial consultation to have a look was £75.00 As it was a private dentist I had to pay for the prescription for the penicillin. £9.00. Xrays and extraction today £273.00.

I've stayed with my same dentist 25 years , the only way is to never leave it :(

They’ve used Covid as an excuse to dump all the NHS patients “because you haven’t had an appointment since 2019”. I pay for my kids to have private checkups because it’s only £25 twice a year, and I pray there are no issues that require treatment I can’t afford. For myself I managed to find a NHS dentist 20 miles away which has a 6 month waiting list for your first appointment. I also pray for myself not needing expensive treatment because even NHS dentists aren’t free.

This thread has made me think it doesn't exist anymore
I'm nhs patient of 25 years as I haven't left since being a child
But when I called to add my children on they said they don't even have a waiting list it's that busy? Strange!

Have you tried a hospital with a dental school? Round here you can have all your treatment for free (not just emergency stuff) if you let final year dental students do it, they are closely supervised by their tutor and all their work is checked when they've finished.

You don't.

I think I'm lucky I'm in my 30's with straight teeth, no fillings and they are fine.

DS 8 to date has had no issues with his teeth either.

I dread a problem arising because it will be a private job. You just can't get a NHS dentist.

I got dumped too. I am on UC, and simply can not afford to go private. Even on UC, my old dentist was loath to actually do anything beyond emergency anyway.
During my last appointment, I was told I would need biopsies and scans (scary patches and scary shadows on my x-ray). Had a lot of stuff lined up, until I said I was on UC. Then nothing.

You can make a complaint to nhs england and to your local MP. In emergencies you can call 111.

You can't the NHS doesn't pay them properly so most have gone private

I haven't seen a dentist in 9 years, I can't afford dental care, there are no NHS dentists anywhere near us. DH and I both have mild gum disease, we just keep plodding on and brushing as usual because it's about all we can do

Thanks, I'm going to call NHS England on Tuesday. I don't think I could call it an emergency as I don't have any pain or any immediate reason to worry but it does need seeing to or it will just keep worsening.

This sounds very similar to me, except I've got to thr point where it's really affecting my wellbeing and I can't let it go on but there doesn't seem to be any help available.

No you dont need a private dental plan, that's just raising the white flag and letting the Tories bin NHS dentistry. What you (we all) need to do is fight for it. Kick up a massive stink if you have a Tory MP, let them know that this is not ok and ffs stop voting for them.

It depends where you live. I'm near Nottingham and registered my children recently without issue.