On finding a dentist..

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Tengu

Full Member
Jan 10, 2006
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Wiltshire
When I am at home I use the local health clinics, who are sympathetic to my quirks. (I am not `quite` scared of dentists but I do have a great dislike of metal things in my mouth...)

They told me that my GP (I am registered with a GP down here...I mean, when they can find my records which is not always) can reffer me to one.

Aforesaid GP is baffled.

So, Im pretty much on my own. Logically I should be looking for an NHS one, but these days since Im not on benefits even those I have to pay.

Should I be going private and what should I look for?
 
You have to get on a NHS waiting list and they will assign you - alternatively ring round and see if anyone has free placements. Private will cost you a ton more than NHS.
 
You have to get on a NHS waiting list and they will assign you - alternatively ring round and see if anyone has free placements. Private will cost you a ton more than NHS.

Has it gone up that much? It was cheap when I was there (mind you that was over 37 years ago)
 
Has it gone up that much? It was cheap when I was there (mind you that was over 37 years ago)

Not a simple question. Cheap is relative (especially compared to the US). My wife had to find £3k recently for an implant replacement. On the other hand, a check up and descale can be had privately for less than £50 (if you're lucky and live in the right region!).
 
You have to get on a NHS waiting list and they will assign you - alternatively ring round and see if anyone has free placements. Private will cost you a ton more than NHS.

Private dentistry in the UK is one of the few things I know that's more costly than Gear Acquisition Syndrome! (and none of the fun)
 
Not a simple question. Cheap is relative (especially compared to the US). My wife had to find £3k recently for an implant replacement. On the other hand, a check up and descale can be had privately for less than £50 (if you're lucky and live in the right region!).

That sounds expensive expensive for here (Florida; not sure in other states) About the same price in Pounds as would be in dollars here. Of course here my insurance covers all of the routine (descaling & fluorination treratment 3 x year, x-rays and exam 1 x year) and 80% of most restorative (fillings) and 50% of major work (implants, crowns, etc.)

I remembered it being cheaper there back in the day. Guess things have changed.
 
£48 for a half hour with the hygienist the other day. (I am talking Dentistry here.) But now downgraded to annual appointments with her. A pound a week?

Yep, that's not bad at all; just don't get into crowns, bridges or any of the big stuff :)
 
Re the OP: As has been stated, ask for recommendations from people you know; try to determine if the dentist's philosophy matches yours. I.E. Doy you want to keep your natural teeth for life and maintain then at their best, or are you willing to go the cheaper route? Match that to your budget.

All easier said than done. What I want and what I can afford don't always match.
 
Funny you should post this now as it's very relevant too me right now.i'm at the start of £7500 worth of private dental work.cut a very,,very long story short I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now if I had been a private patient all those years ago.if your past dental history's one which you only need the odd filling every few years then search for the nhs dentist.if your like me and you need that extra level of care then go private it'll be money well spent


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Funny you should post this now as it's very relevant too me right now.i'm at the start of £7500 worth of private dental work.cut a very,,very long story short I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now if I had been a private patient all those years ago.if your past dental history's one which you only need the odd filling every few years then search for the nhs dentist.if your like me and you need that extra level of care then go private it'll be money well spent


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That's about my situation too. Cheapest care they could get away with while in the Air Force set me up for much more expensive care now.
 
That's about my situation too. Cheapest care they could get away with while in the Air Force set me up for much more expensive care now.

Yep same here too. i'm not totally bashing the. Nhs for the most part they've been excellent.i had tendon surgery last year n a broken ankle a few years before that.they gave me excellent care n attention on both counts.my dental care on the other hand has been a balls up from start too Finnish


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Thanks Boatman, that looks handy. A bit like having yor hair cut by a college student, you `know` you will get a good job, or else they will be in trouble, eh?
 
Thanks Boatman, that looks handy. A bit like having yor hair cut by a college student, you `know` you will get a good job, or else they will be in trouble, eh?

Ever been to "Supercuts?" New barbers thatcan't get hired anywhere else. Students are kinda like that.
 

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