Dentist

[Greedyfly]

As we all know finding a NHS dentist is a near impossible feat. But I need some serious work doing now and have put it off for years, but now its getting too bad I will need to get it done. My question is, is there anything I am not thinking about? I cant afford to go private, I am and have been on the NHS list for well over a couple of years, I have rung around locally practices and the not s local - all they tell me is to join the list. I have even been into our local drop in centre only to be told they cant do the work as its not an emergency!

Any suggestions?

Thanks guys

[ELVIS68]

I phoned my local dentist last month to register with them and told them I had a toothache, I was told I could be seen straight away but would have to pay or if I wanted it done on the NHS I`d have to wait til April

After hearing the cost of private dental surgery I`m hanging on til April

[Ice.Maiden]

The sooner you get on someone's list, the sooner you'll get seen to, Gf. The only other thing I can think of, is if you could afford to pay privately for a check up, and then explain your financial position to the dentist. They'll often let you pay for further treatment in instalments - or, if you need an excessive amount of work doing the dentist can refer you to a hospital dental department. Hope you get something sorted out - I'm due there tomorrow! Shake!

[daffy654]

If you need a lot of work done as you say your dentist has to apply to the health authority for permission to do it all (well mine did a couple of years ago,it may have changed now) They didn't start any treatment apart from basic until permission was granted.

[MrXLA]

Perhaps contact your nearest dental hospital/school and ask if they are able to see patients for treatment via there access centre (some do) however most require referral from a general dental practioner.
Drop in centres are typically set up to deal with dental emergencies and the usual criteria for that are:
- severe pain of dental origin
- bleeding
- swelling
Most would be unlikely to be able to provide extensive restorative dentistry as they do not have the resources (and besides thats not what they are there for)

You could (although you probably have already) ring your PCT and ask if they could provide you with a list of dentists offering NHS appointments.
Another problem facing patients such as yourself is that there is no longer registration at NHS dental practices.

[MrXLA]

Unfortunately GF there are areas in the UK (obviously where you live is one of them) where access to NHS dentistry is difficult.
I hope you are able to find one soon but in any case I would recommend that you write a letter of complaint to your local PCT. This will help them provide evidence to the government to help increase the funding they recieve (there are plenty of dentists but not enough contracts).
Incidentally your case highlights very well what a sham the government has made of NHS dentsitry, you see from what I can ascertain you have been seen at drop in centre.
Therefore you have had 'access to NHS dentistry' (the fact that you are no better off will be overlooked by people compiling 'access' to dental services data)

[TEAK36]

Maybe you can do what I have just done.

I joined the HSA Dental Plan.
I went for the top option which I think costs about �17 per month.You have to wait for the 3 month qualifying period before you can claim, but they will pay �150 for each maintenace visit. The best bit is that they will pay 75% of my annual bill for 'treatment,' upto a maximum of �2000 per year. The HSA definition of treatment includes, crowns,bridges,white fillings, root canals, dentures, anaesthetic fees, laboratory fees, and pretty much anything else that your dentist deems medically necessary.

[Ice.Maiden]

How does that work then TEAK? If �150 is set aside for each visit, surely that wouldn't cover much? I say this because I visited the dentist today. Sedation alone was �90, and I'm having a new crown made, plus I had a clean and polish. That'll add up to more than the said amount, I'm sure. Would the HSA Dental plan allow for that?

[bigmamma]

Hello Ice.Maiden , well done for getting there today honey
xxxxxx

[Ice.Maiden]

Thanks ever so much bigmamma - I was a quivering jelly! I wasn't expecting sedation todady actually, but as I'd felt too ill to eat anything before I went, the work was done sooner rather than later. The temporary crown wouldn't come off, and I came out in a sweat as the dentist pulled and prodded at it. It hurt as well! After a couple of minutes, he asked if I wanted the sedation. I had it, and everything was done pretty quickly, so now, I've got a new crown on, and I'm ready to have a second one fitted. Oh dear...ANOTHER trip!!! xx

[bigmamma]

Ouch , you will want sedation every time for the next one as it works so well , pity it can't be taken at home to calm the nerves before actually going in the dentist chair !!
Well done again , very brave. xxxxx

[Ice.Maiden]

Thank you. It may seem nothing to some people, but when normal injections don't work, the sedation is sure handy! I used to be given a tablet before I visited the dentist. Think it was valium, but it still did no good - hence the intravenous thing I have now. You're right though - I'll need it again the next time I go, but for all the messing about - and cost - I'd pay double if it meant me not feeling anything! I'm not brave bm - I'm a complete wimp! I'd rather have a baby! xx

[TEAK36]

Ice Maiden,

The �150 is just for the basic 6 monthly checkup, but if I need any work doing, it will be covered upto �2000, even if it is a several week course of treatment. Even the sedation would be covered.

[DONNAKEBABUK]

A friend of mine let me use his address to get my little girl and I into an NHS Dentist 2 years ago. It shouldnt have to come to this but needs must.

Just something to put in your thoughts.

Best Wishes and Good Luck.

Katie. x

[bednobs]

before you write to the PCT to cmplain, try ringing their Patient advice and liaison service (PALS) They will be able to tell you which is the dentist nearest you taking on nhs patients, or which in the area has the shortest waiting list.
Quite often, as the financial year comes to an end, dentist have used up all their units, so will wait till april t register new patients. if you can ait till april 5th you might have more luck