Child - NHS Dentis

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DD (16) had a dentist check up this afternoon, first time she has been in on her own. She came out saying the dentist said she needs to book a hygienist appointment as has done plaque. I asked if he’d cleaned her teeth in the appointment, she said not, that he’d just counted them.

went to book the hygienist & apparently they don’t cover it on the NHS & it would cost £70!!!

I feel they’ve taken advantage of her being on her own, I went with another child a few weeks ago & they gave her teeth a quick clean. All the children go every 6 months, none have had any fillings & generally look after their teeth pretty well. I’ve looked at her teeth & I can’t see that there is a huge plaque build up, a little bit, but nothing more than normal.

AIBU to think they are just trying to make money? (All adults at the practice are now private & children can only stay if they have a parent who pays)

Apologies for typo in heading!!!

I've never known a dentist, NHS or private, to clean teeth.

My 11 year old was recently advised to see the hygienist, privately. They don't seem to have NHS ones at any of the practises I've been to. Cost I've found to be in the region of £40-£50.

Really? I've had both an NHS dentist do mine and next Friday I have an appointment with my private dentist to do mine. I'm phobic so prefer to have the same person do all my treatment but this was something he offered rather than me asking.

They did all my life until a few years ago. There was no such thing as a hygienist at the dentist until I was middle aged.

According to the NHS charges, the check up should include a scale & polish if required

Agreed. I am mid-fifties and all previous dentists did a scale and polish with your check up. Recently my dentist retired, the practice taken over, and we have all been referred to the new hygienist. We have all said never again! Expensive and traumatic.