The National Health Service (NHS) provides the dental treatment necessary for the health of your mouth and teeth. It is available to everyone, even if you are not registered with the NHS.
You can use an NHS dentist or a private dentist depending on the type of treatment you require and how much you are able to afford.
NHS Dentists
The following treatments are available on the NHS
- an examination and assessment
- x-rays
- non-surgical treatment like scaling, polishing, periodontal (gum) treatments, marginal fillings and oral hygiene instruction
- surgical treatments like wisdom and other tooth removal
- fillings
- root canal fillings
- other treatments like bridges, veneers, crowns, inlays, dentures and disease management
- braces (fixed or removable) may also be available
- referral to a dental hospital for specialist treatment
Cost of treatment
The cost of dental treatment on the NHS will be dependent on what work is required and will fall within one of the 3 band courses. For instance, band 1 could include an examination and x-ray whereas band 2 would be for treatment such as fillings. The third band would be for work such as crowns and bridges. For the cost of the treatment and further information please visit NHS dental charges explained, link below.
Finding and registering with a local NHS dentist
Anyone can apply to be taken on by an NHS dentist. You will however need to check that the practitioner is taking on new patients. The dentist will decide and agree with the patient what treatment is needed, then put together and agree a treatment plan. Patients are then on that dentist’s patient list for the duration of the course of treatment. They can go back to the same dentist in future if they wish.
Private dentistry
You can receive a wide range of treatments if you choose to go private, either with your NHS dentist or another practice. They will discuss the costs with you before starting any treatment.
Private dental treatment provides some specialist treatment and cosmetic dentistry that is not available under the NHS. For example, you can have white fillings on your back teeth – something that is not available on the NHS.
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
