The decision of seeing a private dentist or NHS dentist can be tricky.
In recent years, the dental care market has been significantly altered. The likelihood of access to the dentist who cooperates with the NHS is becoming less and less, which causes patients to think about private dental care.
The truth is…
According to research made by Which, nine out of 10 dentists aren't accepting NHS patients anymore. So the possibility of finding the dentist who would take care of your teeth on the NHS is becoming smaller every day.
Imagine a situation when you have chosen a private dental practice. This is an example of Martina Collins Dental & Skin Clinic. Afterward, you visit such a clinic and choose from a wide range of treatments, not only dental. At the Martina Collins Dental & Skin Clinic, you will receive high-quality treatment and personal approach, which the NHS cannot offer. Modern non-invasive cosmetic treatments, short waiting lists and appointment flexibility.
Do not hurry up to decide; you still do not know exactly what will be the difference between private and NHS dentistry.
The Main NHS vs Private Dentistry Differences
NHS Dentistry: What it Covers
Why Go Private?
NHS vs Private Costs: A Comparison
Making the Right Decision
The main purpose of NHS dentistry is to cover necessary procedures only.
For example, check-ups, fillings, extractions and dentures. A cosmetic approach and modern treatment methods do not work in this system.
But, here is the bad news …
If you use the NHS patient care, you will also have to wait for your turn to see the dentist and for the dentist to carry out a procedure. Even in some cases you need to wait several months until you register as an NHS patient.
Private dental care is completely different. You are willing to pay for more flexible appointment times, longer appointments, cosmetic treatments, modern technology and a wide range of treatment options.
The main difference between private dentistry and NHS is the possibility to choose. With private dentistry, you are the one who decides when to visit your dentist, what kind of treatment to have and how it will be delivered.
NHS dental care works based on the following system of three bands:
Band 1 (£27.40) – it includes an examination, diagnosis, X-rays (if necessary), cleaning teeth and preventative advice.
Band 2 (£75.30) – this includes all the treatments that are mentioned in the first band and fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
Band 3 (£326.70) – it includes all the procedures from the previous bands and crowns, dentures and bridges.
Seems simple, right?
NHS dentistry also has its drawbacks. Cosmetic treatments and teeth whitening, veneers and orthodontics (for adults) are not covered by the NHS if it is just for cosmetic reasons. If you want to improve your teeth's appearance (and not the function), you will have to use private dental care.
Access to the dental care on the NHS has become difficult. According to a recent BDA report, research has shown that 97% of people who are new patients cannot get any access to NHS care.
It is a big number.
The truth is that many dentists who work on the NHS have stopped accepting new patients. Some of them have already switched to private services because the contract system of the NHS is not financially profitable for dentists anymore.
And even if you find a dentist who cooperates with the NHS and is ready to accept new patients, you may have to wait for a long time to make an appointment. Even for a standard check-up.
When you use private services, you are treated like a priority, not a number.
A private dentist can spend more time with each patient, which means that you will have a thorough examination, a detailed treatment plan and all the questions you may have will be answered. In private clinics, you do not have to rush through a 10-minute visit.
Private practices also can offer you appointment flexibility. The main plus here is that you can visit a dentist on weekdays and weekends as well. This means that you do not have to waste your working time on dental treatment.
The equipment used by private dentists is also better. The reason is simple: they invest in the latest technology as they have financial flexibility for it. Digital X-rays, 3D imaging, laser treatment, etc. are standard for any private practice.
Cosmetic treatments are the real "stars" of private dentistry. Teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign, dental implants and others are not available in the NHS. If improving the look of your teeth is important for you, private care is the only solution.
And one more important advantage that people often forget about…
Continuity of care is much better.
Once you register with a private dentist, you build a relationship with this practice. This means that they will know your dental history, your concerns and your preferences. In the end, this continuity will lead to better oral health results in the long term.
Yes, private dentistry is more expensive than NHS. But at the same time, there is a different value proposition.
The average price of a private dental check-up is between £50-£80. Compare it to the NHS Band 1 charge of £27.40, and it is approximately twice as expensive.
But, what you will get:
Longer appointment times, modern technology, flexible appointment scheduling and comprehensive preventative advice. Most people think that the additional cost is worth it for the better experience.
The price gap becomes even wider for more complex treatments. For example, a crown can cost between £300-£600 in a private practice compared to £326.70 in the NHS. But private crowns are usually of a better quality, and their warranty period is much longer.
You can spread the cost of private care with a payment plan in many private practices. Monthly dental plans can make private care surprisingly affordable – sometimes less than £20 per month for routine care.
There is one thing about choosing between private and NHS dentistry…
It does not have a single right answer.
It all depends on your needs, budget and personal preferences. Some people use NHS dentistry for basic treatments and only go to private clinics for cosmetic treatment. Others prefer to use the full private care because of the consistency and quality.
Ask yourself a few questions:
Do you need flexible appointment times? Do you care about cosmetic treatments? Do you even know the dentist who will take care of your teeth on the NHS in your area? Is it important for you to see the same dentist every time?
Your answers to these questions will help you make the right decision.
For a big number of people, private dentistry is no longer optional. It is necessary. As access to NHS is so limited, private dentistry has become the only practical solution to timely receive dental treatment.
So, now you are ready to make a choice between private and NHS dentistry.
The first step – do some research and find out about dentists in your area. Check if there is an NHS dentist who is ready to accept new patients. If no or waiting time is too long, find out more about private options.
Contact different private practices and book consultations with them to see their approach, prices and services. Most private practices provide free initial consultations.
Do not forget:
Your oral health has a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing. If you delay receiving dental treatment because you cannot get access to the NHS dentist, this is not the solution.
The dental market has significantly changed in the last years. While most people used to trust only NHS dentistry in the past, it is not the case right now. Private dentistry can provide you with reliability, quality and a choice that the NHS cannot give you.
Do the right choice for your health, schedule and peace of mind.
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
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