The differences between private and NHS dental care

Many dentists choose to go private as the NHS is overstretched and underfunded. As a result, this has left a devastating impact on people seeking NHS dental care. In 2022, 2000 dentists had quit the NHS leaving 4 million with a lack of access to NHS care. This has left 6 out of 10 people feeling pressured into switching from NHS to private care as their basic needs weren’t met, such as the difficulty to register with a NHS dentist and having to wait ages for the appointment. 

 Unfortunately, this switch to private care can create a financial strain on patients who cannot afford to pay the fee every time, so this can arise the dilemma: is this switch worth the cost? 

 Let’s delve into the main differences between NHS care and private care. 

 Types of treatment NHS treatment 

On the NHS, these are common dental treatments available:

 * crowns and bridges 

* treating of dental abscesses 

* dentures 

* orthodontics (if meet requirements) 

* root canal treatment

 * scale and polish (where necessary)

 * removal of wisdom teeth 

* white fillings 

 Private treatment 

Private dentists can offer the same treatment as above, but with more options as they offer cosmetic treatments as well. 

 The treatments on offer include: 

* teeth whitening 

* composite bonding

 * porcelain veneers 

* orthodontic treatments 

 Private dentists can also offer treatments not funded by the NHS, such as invisible braces. 

 Private dentists are able to offer you a wider range of choices as they are not bound to the same funding restrictions as NHS dental care.

 Costs and expenses 

 NHS: If you meet the criteria, you can be eligible to free dental treatment. 

 The criteria includes:

 * under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education 

* pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months * being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges) 

* receiving low income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits 

 Otherwise, you will be charged based on 1 out of 3 different bands that reflects the complexity of different dental treatments. 

 Band 1: £25.80 

Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment. 

 Band 2: £70.70 

Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment, and removing teeth. 

 Band 3: £306.80 

Covers: • all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2,

 • more complex procedures, e.g crowns, dentures and bridges. 

 Private

The charges vary amongst different private dentists as they can set their own costs. They are usually more expensive than NHS treatment, due to the profit being used to cover higher staff wages, rent or utility costs. 

The cost is also dependent on the type of treatment you are looking for. Whilst complex procedures may be very expensive, a simple consultation could be really low in comparison, so it is worth researching different private practices’ prices before choosing. 

 Registering for an appointment 

 Due to the growing difficulty to register with an NHS dentist as most aren’t accepting NHS patients, private practices are more likely to be able to offer an appointment at short-notice. 

 Quality of treatment 

 NHS and private practices both offer high-quality care, so do not fear. However, due to the demand to see many patients a day, an NHS dentist may only get to spend a short amount of time with you, such as 10-15 minutes. On the contrary, a private dentist can spend longer on an appointment thus providing a more thorough check-up. 

 Future appointments 

 It is not guaranteed you will see the same dentist every time you have a check-up as your NHS dentist may be occupied with another. The likelihood of having the same private dentist is much larger however, so there is more of a possibility of building a strong patient-dentist rapport over the years.

 Sources: 

 ‘Dental deserts’ form in England as dentists quit NHS, experts warn (2022) The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/01/dental-deserts-form-in-england-as-dentists-quit-nhs-experts-warn (Accessed: 07 January 2024). 

 Simons, G. (2022) Patients pressured to go private as Dentists Ditch NHS work, Health & Protection. Available at: https://healthcareandprotection.com/patients-pressured-to-go-private-as-dentists-ditch-nhs-work/ (Accessed: 07 January 2024).