No NHS dentist - on UC

[ToTheCrystalDome]

Hello, I apologise as I'm sure this gets asked a lot and I'm sure I already know the answer.

Asking for my BIL who is on UC.

His regular dentist went 100% private last year. According to the NHS website, his nearest dentist taking on NHS patients is 90 miles away (he can't drive and wouldn't be able to navigate such a long journey on public transport. We live 150 miles away so can't take him).

He has tooth pain but it's not major, more of an annoyance rather than a dental emergency. Am I right in thinking his only option is to go private? (either as a one-off payment or a regular payment plan?).

As he's on UC he's never had to pay for the dentist before and can't understand why he has to now, despite us trying to explain the situation. He also has very limited income and can't afford a large lump sum for treatment and we don't have the funds to give/lend it to him either.

Thank you.

Is he willing to write to his MP about this?

Yes he will have to pay.

There are monthly plans, or other plans where you pay as you go.

So money for a checkup, then any treatment he needs.

Yes he will have to go private. Anyone can access emergency dental care on the NHS but only if it is an actual emergency.

I went private for an extraction and it wasn’t too expensive - but if he rings 111 they’ll steer him in the right direction at minimal cost.

He will have to pay though - but he would with an NHS dentist too.
Why does he think it should be free for those on UC? The rest of us need to pay.

Thank you for your quick replies. Just as I thought then.

DH and I believe he has undiagnosed mild LD which is why he finds it hard to understand new information or change.

His own dentist advised him to call 111 to help him find a dentist - they just told him to look online. He can't use a computer which is how I found the only NHS dentist 90 miles away.