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What's the Difference Between NHS and Private Dentist?
While looking for dental solutions, you may have heard the terms NHS and private dentistry.
NHS dentistry provides essential dental services at an affordable cost, ensuring accessibility for all patients. However, private dentistry offers additional benefits, including personalised treatment plans, a wider range of services such as cosmetic dentistry, and shorter waiting times.
At Dee Dental Paisley, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your dental care. In this blog, we’re going to explore the main differences between NHS and private dentistry. Discover the advantages of private dentistry and how it can elevate your dental experience.
Let's dive into the details and discover the best dental solution for you!
What are the benefits of private dentistry treatment over NHS?
Private dentistry can have a wide range of benefits when compared with NHS treatment.
We've outlined some of the key benefits below to help you understand the differences between private and NHS dental treatment:
Reduced waiting times for dental treatments
Especially if there's a problem, or you're in pain, it's understandable to want to speed up the treatment process.
The NHS is oversubscribed, which means that you might not immediately be given the treatment you need to relieve your pain or improve your oral health. Long waiting lists often go with the territory of opting for NHS based treatment.
If you choose to go private, you skip the queue, and you'll find that you'll get the procedure you need in a more timely fashion.
Longer and more comprehensive appointments
We all know the feeling of frustration when it seems impossible to get an appointment at a clinic or surgery. More appointments will become available to you as a private patient, meaning you'll have quick and easy access to treatment and advice.
Our appointments are also longer than average, so you can properly discuss your treatments with our friendly team with no rush. You'll come out of your consultation feeling seen, heard and cared for.
Private treatment includes cosmetic procedures
NHS dental treatments are designed to be functional. The treatments are simply intended to fix issues or prevent deterioration in your dental health.
So, if you need something practical, like an extraction or a filling, the NHS will cover this. The NHS only subsidises what is considered "essential" treatment, so treatments such as tooth extractions, root canals and crowns.
However, many of our patients come to us with more aesthetic concerns; a gap or crooked and discoloured teeth. As these are seen as procedures for purely cosmetic reasons, NHS treatment won't cover them.
Private treatment offers both functional and aesthetic treatments. This means should you want sophisticated cosmetic treatments, such as dental implants, tooth whitening or veneers, to enhance your smile, we can do that for you.
Even tooth-coloured fillings are considered a private cosmetic treatment, so if you need a filling on the NHS, you'll have to opt for silver amalgam fillings.
A wider range of treatment options
Private dentists can offer more of a variety of treatment options to their patients than NHS. Because there's no worry about funding restrictions, we can focus entirely on improving the care we provide to our patients.
As well as quality dental care, private dentists may offer comprehensive restorative treatment, orthodontic treatment, and facial aesthetics. We utilise innovative tools and provide tailored solutions, so the patient will be able to customise their treatment options to their liking.
Private dentists have the freedom to recommend treatment in an unrestricted manner, whereas NHS dental care tends to be more focused on no-frills problem-solving.
Modern facilities and equipment
A private dental clinic is often more modern and kitted out than an NHS practice.
Our practice has the resources to invest in the most cutting edge technology in the industry, meaning our patients receive world-class treatments. You might even enjoy additional perks, like spa treatments and a welcome drink.
Can you have both an NHS and a private dentist?
Yes, it's possible to have both an NHS and a private dentist. In many cases, it's quite common since the choice between NHS and private dental care often comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the patient.
While NHS dentistry offers essential treatments at a lower cost, it's important to note that certain procedures are typically only available through private dental practices. This means that patients who desire cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, crowns and bridges may opt to see a private dentist for these services.
By having both an NHS and a private dentist, patients can access more treatments to meet their oral health needs comprehensively. They can benefit from the affordability and accessibility of NHS dentistry for routine care while also having the option to explore advanced procedures offered by private dentists.
Ultimately, the choice between NHS and private dentistry depends on factors such as treatment preferences, budget, and the level of care you desire. At Dee Dental Paisley, we offer both NHS and private dental services to ensure that our patients have access to the care they need.
Will I lose my NHS dentist if I go private?
No, choosing to receive private dental care does not automatically mean you'll lose your NHS dentist. In fact, many patients continue to maintain their relationship with their NHS dentist while also seeking private treatment for specific procedures or services.
When you choose private dental care, you're simply choosing to access additional treatments or services that may not be available under the NHS. Your NHS dentist will still be available to provide routine check-ups, cleanings, and other essential services covered by the NHS.
It's essential to communicate openly with both your NHS and private dentists about your treatment preferences and plans. This ensures that both providers are aware of your oral health needs and can work together to coordinate your care effectively.
At Dee Dental Paisley, we understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to supporting our patients in navigating their dental treatment options. Whether you choose NHS, private, or a combination of both, we're here to make sure you receive the personalised care and attention you deserve!
Are private dentists worth it in the UK?
Absolutely! Private dentists in the UK offer many benefits that make them worth considering for many individuals. One of the key advantages is the personalised dental care that private practices can provide.
Unlike the general treatments provided by the NHS, private dentists offer tailored treatment plans that are customised to meet each patient's unique needs and preferences. This means you'll receive individualised attention and care designed to address your oral health concerns and goals.
Additionally, private dentists invest in advanced technology and techniques to deliver the highest quality care possible. From state-of-the-art tools to innovative treatment options, private practices use dental innovation to ensure that patients have access to the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.
Furthermore, private dentists typically offer comprehensive aftercare procedures to achieve and maintain optimal oral health outcomes. From regular follow-up appointments to ongoing preventive care, private practices prioritise long-term oral health and wellbeing.
Ultimately, private dentist may involve some additional dental costs. Yet, many patients find that the personalised attention, advanced treatments, and comprehensive aftercare are well worth the investment in their oral health.
Are Dental Emergencies covered by the NHS?
Facing a dental emergency can be distressing, but knowing what's covered by the NHS can provide reassurance.
NHS covers emergency treatments necessary to alleviate pain or treat a sudden dental issue, but you can face long waiting times and a struggle to get same-day emergency appointments.
At Dee Dental, we offer fast, same-day emergency dental care to cater to your needs. Although we only offer treatment within normal working hours, you can WhatsApp us directly and we will respond promptly to ensure you can be seen the next working day. Emergency dental care at our practie is priced at £99 and does not include additional treatment which may be needed.
NHS dental costs vs private dentist fees: What's the difference?
Understanding the financial aspect of dental care is important when choosing private dentist or NHS. Let's see the breakdown of the key differences in terms of cost of services:
- NHS: NHS dental treatments are subject to set charges, divided into three bands based on the complexity of the procedure. Band 1 covers basic treatments like examinations and X-rays, while Band 2 includes more complex procedures like fillings and extractions. Band 3 encompasses major treatments like crowns and dentures.
- Private dentist: While dental charges may vary depending on the treatment and provider, private dentists typically offer more extensive services compared to NHS. This includes cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. The flexibility to choose from a broader range of treatments often comes with higher fees.
Do you offer any dental payment plans?
We understand that managing dental expenses can be a concern for many patients. That's why we offer flexible payment options to make high-quality dental care accessible to everyone.
- The Dee Dental Plan: Our exclusive Dee Dental Plan is designed to provide comprehensive coverage to keep your oral health in check. For only £22, you can enjoy benefits such as regular check-ups, hygiene appointments, and discounts on cosmetic procedures. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your smile will be healthy all year!
- Dental Financing Options: Aside from our dental plan, we also offer flexible financing options to help spread the cost of more extensive treatments. Our financing solutions allow you to receive the care you need without worrying about upfront expenses. If you're considering cosmetic dentistry, restorative treatments, or orthodontic procedures, our dental practice will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget.
Ready to experience the benefits of private dental care?
At Dee Dental, your oral health is our priority. Whether you're seeking routine check-ups, emergency care, or cosmetic treatments, our experienced team is here to provide high-quality dental care based on your individual preferences and budget.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We understand that life may get busy, that’s why we also offer virtual consultations in case you can’t go to our clinic. If you’re a new patient, here’s what you can expect on your first visit.
Remember, your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being. By choosing the right dental practice, you can maintain good dental health for years to come.
Your journey to a healthier, happier smile starts here!