Do kids need to pay privately for a hygienist?

[namechange8621]

DD is about to have braces fitted. Apparently, there is a small issue with a baby tooth and I have been told that the dentist can deal with it or I will have to pay private rates for a hygienist at the same practice who would be more knowledgeable about how to deal with it. Is this normal or are they having it on because I pay for my exams?

Normal - I paid £80 to have my son see a hygienist.

Hygienist is a totally private entity not covered by NHS.

Thanks - do you feel that it is worth it?

For a small issue with a baby tooth - no. Personally.

For adults or serious hygiene problems in kids where they'd really benefit then yes.

Hygienist surely must just be a money making scam? I’ve never seen one or heard of anyone seeing one before. I brush my teeth, I get check ups. I assumed it was covered with dental insurance and dentists suggest it as a way of boosting their income, knowing you are not paying for it?

but for kids? Either it’s necessary dental work which should be carried out by a dentist for free, or not necessary.

Up until now, I assumed that the dental assistant was a hygienist. I never realized that it was consultant level dentistry with prices to match! Now, I am wondering how I coped all these years and scouring the price list for myself 😶

I think a hygienist is essential and should be available to those who cannot afford it. Kids find it difficult to thoroughly brush - especially if they are kids who need an orthodontist because of irregular teeth.

You cannot get rid of cumulative plaque and tartar with brushing.

I'm sure it used to be included because my mum saw one when I was young and I cannot remember large sums of money involved (she was tight). Is it included on private medical insurance as standard?

Hygienist surely must just be a money making scam? I’ve never seen one or heard of anyone seeing one before. I brush my teeth, I get check ups. I assumed it was covered with dental insurance and dentists suggest it as a way of boosting their income, knowing you are not paying for it?
I totally believe this (sorry to any out there), but I totally agree. Dh gets sent to the hygienist every time he goes to the dentist after being told there’s no issues, no fillings etc, gushing about his teeth (he flosses uses dental toothpaste and mouthwash, doesn’t drink sugary stuff etc). Always 150euro and he comes home in agony because they scraped the shit out of them etc. I always say ‘for gods sake just say no’ but he says if they say it he obviously needs it. Told a work colleague and she said that dentist is amazing but renowned for it

@stayathomer My mum had the same experience but she never went back. It is for masochists who don't find the pain of a regular exam unpleasant enough and have money to burn! However, in the interests of research, I'll have a go before I commit DD to it.

If there was something to scrape then his oral hygiene is not as good as he might think. Just because he doesn't need fillings doesn't mean there aren't calculus deposits which require professional removal.

😂

I have twice a year and family friends regularly seem to have hygienist apps too

my children… no not had and didn’t occur to me that needed as I didn’t start until in twenties

About three month waiting list for mine!

We only took DD after she had her braces off and it was a very, very thorough clean. She hated it though as it was very sandy and slimey. Her teeth were super white after.

I got my dentist to do my scale abs polish on the NHS as I was quoted £77 for the hygienist. I suspect they are used to people saying it's to expensive. So it wasn't a problem.

Had several scales and then she prescribed antibiotics. Which have completely cured the gum disease. They hygienist couldn't have done that.

What is the issue with the baby tooth and why does it need a hygienist to sort it? Hygienists are indeed private rather than NHS, but children don't usually need to see one.

But even if there is ‘something to scrape’ if the ‘something’ isn’t making your teeth look dirty or causing dental issues, what’s the point? Waste of money surely?

I go but then I'm also a bit shit with flossing and find 2 minutes brushing hideous as have ADHD and sensory issues.. there must be something in it though as we gave denplan cover which includes it and goes up if you don't see hygienist every 3 months 🤔

@Toddlerteaplease A scale and polish is not the same as a clean by a hygienist. My DDs appointment for an AirFlow clean took nearly an hour and she spent 90% of that time cleaning the teeth and gums.

I didn't think you could have braces on the NHS until all the baby teeth are through? here you don't even get a referral to the orthodontist until they have all come through.

Because allowing it to build up can cause a multitude of issues!

That I’d expect the dentist would address before they became a problem? My dentist is very well regarded, and doesn’t appear to have any hygienist services associated with his practice.

He will do

Seriously. Go on his website or buzz now. His practise will offer hygienist apps. I can guarantee. Report back! 😂