Dentists: NHS & Private - what's the difference?

[bingybong]

I was hoping to find some advice regarding dentistry as I'm a little confused. My dentists speaks little english and so I struggle to get any real answers from him. I was going to change, but needed some advice before I jump from the frying pan to the fire.....
I pay for treatment at an NHS dentist. Is this fee subsidised in anyway or does it cost the same as going to a private clinic?
My wisdom tooth came through a couple of years ago and caused my teeth to move and overlap at the front. I was told the only thing I could do is have braces or veneers. It appears to be moving again and now my front tooth is catching my bottom one and I'm afraid of wearing. Its also been quite uncomfortable and my bite feels different. He now concedes that extraction of the wisdom tooth may be appropriate, which I am angry about as if that was done 2 years ago I wouldn't have such a crooked smile and complications now - and be faced with a huge dental bill. (I endured braces as a teenager, but because of this my smile is ugly once again). He said I could go privately or wait for the dental hospital - but would i have to still pay for extraction/braces etc?
Please help - I'm unsure of cost implications etc, but also feel let down by my dentist.

NHS dentistry has fixed fees - private does not.
What you can get on the NHS:
All clinical treatments and dentures are available on the NHS. This means all treatment that is necessary to protect and maintain the health of your mouth, teeth and gums, including dentures, crowns, and bridges.
If you want to have cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening, white fillings, or crowns on your back teeth, you may decide to have this treatment done privately.
If you wish to have any cosmetic treatments, you should ask your dentist how much this will cost in addition to charges for NHS treatment. If you are willing to cover the cost of cosmetic treatment, it will be done as private treatment.
Dental implants and orthodontic treatment, such as braces, are available on the NHS, but the treatment will only be carried out if there is a medical need for it.

As a rough guide to cost, based on a random sample of one private dentist (mine ), a check-up costs £65 (as against £16.50 with NHS), crowns £800 each (£198 NHS), and a 45 minute hygienist appointment costs £60.

I've no doubt there are lots of wonderful NHS dentists out there but I've had dreadful experiences with the 3 I've had, and have spent a small fortune remedying the work they've done.

I find it very easy to get appointments at times that suit me (weekends) - don't know if that would be the case with an NHS dentist.

Thanks - that makes things a lot clearer. Although I'm not sure why my dentist referred me to the dental hospital and couldn't do any work at the clinic.

Never had any problems with NHS dentists (infact the ones I have used have private patients as well......and the best one spent his sat evenings fixing up the teeth of drunks in A&E!)