The NHS cannot
force a dentist to accept you as an NHS
patient. If you are accepted as an NHS patient
by a dentist then you do have an entitlement
to NHS treatment. But the entitlement ends
if your registration lapses - the process
goes back to the beginning and the dentist
can decide again whether to re-register
you as an NHS patient. The system encourages
regular dental attendance because this is
good for oral health. The system also encourages
you to stay with one practice - a practice
which has your dental records is in a better
position to look after you.
You automatically qualify for free or reduced
NHS dental care if you fall into any of
the following catagories:
- Aged 18 or under
- Aged 18 and in full-time education
- If you are pregnant
- If you have had a baby in the last
12 months
- Disabled Persons Tax Credit (DWA)
- HC2 Certificate
- HC3 Certificate
- Receive Jobseekers Allowance
- Receive Working Family Tax Credit
Can dentists refuse NHS treatment?
A dentist in general practice is not employed
by the NHS. Dental practices are businesses,
with staff to pay and other costs to cover,
and the dentists running these businesses
decide the terms on which they can accept
patients.
Can I have any sort of treatment on the
NHS?
If you have a dentist willing to treat you
as an NHS patient then you will be offered
the treatment necessary to secure and maintain
your oral health. The dentist will explain
the treatment options including the possibility
of treatment under private arrangements.
As an NHS patient you can still have private
treatment if you wish.
Private Treatment Options
Why would I want private treatment when
I can use the NHS?
The services your dentist can offer on a
private basis are more flexible as they
are not limited by a national feescale or
restrictions on the materials or laboratory
services they can use. It is therefore possible
for a private dentist to offer a more personal
service and a greater variety of dental
care and treatment options. The level of
service is generally reflected in the price.
What can I expect to get for the extra
money I am paying for my private dental
treatment?
- Time spent during consultations and
treatment to provide a personal service.
- A wide choice and range of treatments.
- A service more closely tailored to individual
needs.
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