Are dentists changing stuff up to make more money from the NHS as a result of recent changes?

[Diswhy]

For years as an NHS patient I've been going to the dentist twice a year for a check up and the dentist will them do a quick cleaning while I'm there and that is that. Then in 2022 I think the Scottish government changed it so that people would only get a check up every year or even two years supposedly to free up space for new patients but also I suppose to save money.

Since this change my dentist now gets me to come back for a separate more expensive cleaning appointment weeks after my check up. In addition to this I am hearing of more people needing work doing. My DH has had the same being asked to go back on a different day for a clean (different dental practice to me) was told he had a small hole in his tooth needing filled and seals needed on his back teeth. He initially agreed to the work but later sought a second opinion and the other dentist couldn't see that this was needed at all.

Is there some change to how Scottish dentists are operating since the changes to NHS funding?

I’d report your dentist following your husbands 2nd opinion as it sounds like they might be a crook.

peforming uneccessary treatment is an offence

Not sure if this is uk-wide but certainly in England dentists only clean at checkups now “if clinically necessary”, which is vastly dependent on the individual. Some dentists will, and others will direct you to their hygienist where you have to pay privately. Mine does a cursory clean, but I now have to see the hygienist for a proper deep clean.

@BlueScrunchies No the clean is still on the NHS here I am an NHS patient for all my dental work. When I have seen the hygienist its at the NHS price.

@YourLoudLilacGuide That is concerning, I suppose it could be possible that two dentists may have differing opinions.

If it’s for a filling- either you have a cavity or you don’t surely?

My orthodontist was struck off for signing people up for uneccessary treatments, I always assumed he was making recommendations based on need. Didn’t realise it was just so that he could bill the NHS for more

I think OP has a point.

My dentist is not doing needless procedures but I have noticed since going down to once a year that she is quicker to carry out procedures that before would perhaps be left. I do not blame my dentist, it’s a different approach and perhaps covering themselves as it’s only once a year. I trust them that if I need a review in six months I will get it.

Maybe I’m being naive as the last two times I’ve apparently needed x rays just to see what’s going on below but these x rays are not guaranteed that everything is ok.

Lots more appointments available though as before you’d be waiting months.

My extended family have all moved to private dental and seem to get appointments every six months with no ongoing issues. Of course they are paying more for this.