Dental patients across the UK have the choice of either seeing an NHS dentist or a private dentist. Here at Cheslyn Hay Dental Practise our team of dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, and receptionists are exceptionally experienced at providing amazing dental care. As a private dental practice, we are often asked about the benefits of private treatment. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and explain the impact this will have on your dental health.
What Is The Different Between NHS And A Private Dental Treatment?
Upon first look an individual might make their decision upon price alone. Price brackets in the NHS consist of:
- Band 1: £23.80 – Covers an examination, diagnosis, and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.
- Band 2: £65.20 – Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth.
- Band 3: £282.80 – Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures, and bridges.
However, there are many other differences that set the two apart.
NHS dentists are employed by the Department of Health, therefore dental treatment is heavily funded by tax payers. This often means appointments are shorter and they are more limited in terms of what they can do. More often than not, treatments are focused on the short-term due to time constraints. However, private dentists are able to set their own costs, which comes with a variety of benefits.
Range Of Dental Treatments
NHS dental treatments are often limited due to time restraints. They often keep their main focus restorative dental treatments such as dental crowns, dentures, veneers, and bridges. All of which fix existing dental problems.
However, private dentists have that freedom of time, enabling them to also offer cosmetic dentistry. Treatments such as teeth whitening, white fillings and Invisalign treatment plans, All of which are more visual aesthetic dental work.
Shorter Wait Times
One of the main benefits of a private dentist is a reduced wait time. NHS dentists often have waiting lists that can span across months before an appointment is even made. This can leave patients in pain, and discomfort or even discouraged by the whole process. Leading to a decline in overall dental hygiene and care.
Private dentists are often quicker, with barely any wait time between appointments. Dependent on the private dentist a patient could even be seen that week.
Longer Appointments
As previously mentioned, time is short for NHS dentists. Therefore, practises make appointments shorter to fit as many people as possible into one day. Appointments are mainly focused on immediate issues, often long-term dental issues and advice are ignored.
Therefore, another benefit of a private dentist is the longer appointments. This leaves sufficient time to discuss both the long and short-term problems that may be affecting a person’s oral health. Appointments often include treatment options and allow time for questions. Therefore, leaving a patient feeling relaxed and confident about their oral health plan. Furthermore, this added time can also be given to specific appointments such as nervous patients.
Availability & Flexibility
Due to NHS dental appointments being so few and far between, when offered one, there is a feeling of pressure to accept. Patients, therefore, accept appointments even if it’s at an inconvenient time. The majority of NHS dentists are only open between 09:00 and 17:00. However, this a common working day for the majority of people and/or those with childcare responsibilities. Therefore, making it extremely difficult to make these appointments.
On the other hand, private dentists often offer much more flexibility in their hours. With late-night appointments often open till 20:00. In addition to, free offroad parking, making seeing a private dentist much more convenient. Likewise, private dentists can also offer emergency dental care, even out of hours if the availability is there. Furthermore, private dentists often have larger capacity, therefore, accept new patients.
Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of A Private Dentist
If you’re still not sure whether you want to go private or if you would prefer an NHS dentist, here are a few things to keep in mind. If you answer yes to any of the below, we recommend private dental care:
- Do you require flexible appointments?
- Are you a nervous patient?
- Do you want more time with your dentist?
- Do you want to prevent long term dental issues?
- Do you want the best in cutting-edge technology?
- Do you want access to a wide range of treatments?
Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice is a modern, family dental practice, based near Walsall. Offering a comprehensive range of cosmetic and general dental treatments, including emergency tooth extraction.
Established in 1988, with a reputation for family friendly, high quality care. Cheslyn Hay Dental Practise have dedicated. Skills teams to discuss all of your treatment options. Contact us today, to book an appointment with a private dentist.
