Private Dentistry - Is is right to switch from NHS for children?

[PeeAche2]

My husband and I are registered at 2 different dentists, from before we were married. They are both in our nearest town.

Our older kids registered at mine, because I run this circus.

Our most recent addition (aged 10mo) can’t be registered at either of our practices, as they are both not taking on any new patients - not even children.

I’ve checked every other NHS dentist in our nearest town and next nearest town and none of them are accepting new patients either - not even children.

So, I can’t register my kid. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The receptionist at my practice said that they are hoping to start taking new patients again late next year and that there will then be a waiting list and it’s looking to be around 10-11 months if she joins it now. So probably looking at being able to get her registered and seen by around autumn 2025. The receptionist said this is no problem, as long as my 10mo doesn’t have any pain or issues, she can just wait until she’s 3.

I’m not totally convinced by this, and could afford for her to go privately. I could potentially afford for us all to go privately.

What experiences have others got? Is private worth the money? Does anyone have an insurance plan / pre-pay plan? What sorts of prices do you pay for hygienists etc? I like to see the hygienist twice per year.

Is it madness to pay for a (will be) toddler to see a dentist? Should I just wait until she’s 3-4 like I’ve been advised? (also interested to know from any dentistry professionals if this is a bad idea)

Thanks!

(one last thing: neither my husband’s practice nor mine also do private so it would be a switch for everyone)

I pay £7.99 a month and that includes two check ups and 2 hygienist appointments per year for me. They will then see my dependent children under 7 for free and over 7 for £5.

Private was 100% worth it for us, as they also offer preventative work that the NHS wouldn't do.

Thanks @JJJSchmidt I have booked us our first appointment. 🤞

In my dentist (company is called that) they do a scheme called my options they don't charge for under 3s so you could book a private appointment with them and stay on the waiting list at your dentist.

Our private dentist gives free checkups to children of paying patients up to 16 (or 18 not sure)

We use Simply Dental which we pay around £30 in total for a month. I have found overall they are pretty good.

ours is around £15 per month per adult and £8 per month per child.

Includes 2 appointments and hygienist visits per year and a discount on any treatments.

NHS just wasn’t available to us, not even for the kids so we didn’t really have a choice. This was the only dentist in our area taking new patients too so I feel lucky we got in. The situation is crazy.

You might be best to stay with yours as they will get NHS in future, if they are generally good. NHS dentists are few and far between

I guess it is how you feel about it.

I pay £10 a month for me and £5 each for the dc for private. 100% worth it. They get appointments when needed. They have had preventative work done which the nhs wouldn't have offered. When one fell and banged their mouth they got an appointment to be checked within the hour.