Both NHS and Private dentistry?

[LollyLoo34]

I have recently moved and there is no NHS dentist near me so I have registered for a private dentist. Back in my previous town I had an NHS dentist.

For routine appointments at the private dentist (totalling £150-200 p/y) this is cheaper for me than travelling to my old NHS dentist where I was paying up to £200 p/y anyway. But if I encounter anything more than that (e.g. fillings or anything in band 3 realm) I know I'll not be able to afford it.

I don't think I've been taken off my old NHS dentists register yet as they're still sending me emails, so am considering staying on just in case there is a band 3 treatment I might need.

Has anyone else done this?

You might have to carry on going for check-ups to stay on the NHS list.

How far is it? I'd stick with your NHS dentist if it's at all possible.

My understanding is that there is a 2 year rule. So unless there is another valid reason (e.g. you routinely miss or cancel appts, and they must give a 3 month warning before dropping you) to remove you they must keep you registered unless you haven't had an appt for 2 years. I figure having a check up every 2 years is doable.

@AbraAbraCadabra Its hours away and costs £50+ for me to travel to each time, plus I'd have to take time off work for each appointment. They are a pretty bad dentist too, they insist on pressuring you into making 4 appts per year (which you don't need - as confirmed by my new private dentist) to fill up their quotas which frankly I can't afford to travel for.

In England and Wales there is no such thing as NHS registration. They are only obliged to see you during a course of treatment . After that there is no obligation to see you. In practice most surgeries try to prioritise regular attenders but if they do not have capacity then ,even then, you will not be seen.

In England and Wales there is no rule but individual practices may have policies as to who they regard as regular patients.

In Scotland registration on the NHS is for life unless there is a good reason to de register you. In NI there is registration if you attend regularly.

Double check…..you have to have annual appointments at my dentist minimum…or they chuck you off the register

If you are in England no such thing as a 2 year rule….every dentist has their own policy

Have you looked at the cost for Denplan?

Plus one for den plan

£22 a month for me and I get as many check ups/hygiene appts I want. Only caveat being some more complex treatments such as surgical extractions and complex root canals aren't always covered. And you'll pay lab fees for bridges etc.

No waiting months for appts either.