Dental charges - I'm confused. Any experts?

[iloverhubarbcrumble]

I used go to a dentist who did children on the NHS, but adults privately. A year ago we changed to a dentist who (said they) provided NHS services to adults too. Turns out they only do the basic check up on the NHS. Everything else is charged at private rates.

So for example my private hygiene clean (separate appt) is just under £50. They do a good job, takes 30 mins, but it's twice a year and I think it's more than I used to pay, as I used to get this done all in as part of my check up. I'm lucky not to need more than this, but my DH has teeth which do need treatments from time to time (root canal, cost the earth).

Can anyone (incl dental practice managers) tell me:

• what the NHS charges are set at
• whether there ARE any 'NHS' dentists who actually do all treatments on the NHS
• what you pay at your dentist if private for specific treatments, incl hygienist.

Not necessarily suggesting dentists are overpaid BTW, so not an AIBU! But reviewing whether to change again - or perhaps whether to get insurance for DH. Thanks for your tips/knowledge.

thanks herbietea, really helpful. Looks like the clean and polish should be included within the NHS basic check up price.

I'm quite confused now about what our dentist is doing for the NHS check (takes 5 mins). I'll have a chat with them.

I assume the dentist gets paid an additional top up sum per treatment by the PCT on top of what we pay for the work, otherwise they're clearly out of pocket. But if so, I don't see how they can claim a Band 1 treatment if they have not done a scale and polish (if it's required). I'd much prefer not to pay an additional £50 2/year for my 'hygiene' appointment.

Got abit dog with bone now. Anyone have the dentist/PCT view? Have I missed something?

I am in the same boat and interested to hear any answers. Clean and polish used to be included but now they are saying I have to pay extra.

At my private dentists I pay £60 for a 45 min hygienist appt, £60 for a dentist check up, and just recently paid £1600 to have 2 crowns replaced.

On the NHS website on Choices you can search for NHS dentists by postcode. Or ring NHSDirect as they have details of NHS dentists who see adults on NHS.

Fairly sure they are a bit naughty to offer only NHS check ups, I would speak to the PCT and ask them about it, they are also supposed to offer any required treatment AFAIK. PCT numbers are also on NHS website.