NHS Dentists

[koster]

There are no NHS dentists available in my city.

Am I allowed to register with a dentist in another town?

[bednobs]

yes

[koster]

I read that NHS dentistry is free in Scotland. Can I travel from England to Scotland to see the dentist for free?!

[MrXLA]

Hi Koster, simple answer yes
However there is actually now no such thing 'as registration' with an NHS dentist. A fact worrying to both dentists and of course patients.
Most practices have a list/database from pre April 2006 (when there was registration) and offer recall/exam appointments to patients.
However dentists who are able to get an NHS contract (by the way there is NOT a shortage of dentists/dentists wishing to work in the NHS, there is a shortage of contracts!!!) have a set amount of 'dental activity to perform over a given period'.
Usually they have no way of increasing this, this means that if the dentist completes their 'dental activity' early that they will be unable to offer NHS appointments until the new contract begins (if it does at all!). Therefore whilst patients are free to attend amy NHS dental practice able to offer them an appointment neither the dentist nor patients have obligations to each other in terms of regular appointments.

[MrXLA]

You might consider private dentistry (other than the obvious increased cost) it offers several advantages (depending where you go!!)
- increased appointment times and opening hours
- better appointment availability
- more durable materials (sometimes)
- more aesthetic materials (usually)
- more liklely to be seen on time
etc..

[koster]

Yes, I thought that private dentists would offer better appointment availability.

But, after ringing round a few, I haven't found anywhere that could give me an evening or Saturday appointment. I'd thought that by paying for it, at least I wouldn't have to take time off work.

For a new patient first check-up, I've been given prices between �50 an �135. One place said they couldn't give me an appointment before the new year.

I think Denplan might be the way to go - �10 a month. I'm not sure what the minimum contract length is.

[bednobs]

just ring yur local patient advice and liaison service at the pct