Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

http://www.which.co.uk/campaigns/den...eatment-costs/

Did you know you're entitled to a hygienist on the NHS? no neither did I...

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

I tried the Hygienist once and it was PAINFUL

My Dentist usually does it and that's OK
I shan't be having the Hygienist again

As for being a NHS patient ... I'm on the list at my practice but think I have to wait for someone to die first

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

Yes, always had one between seeing the dentist, himself.

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

on the NHS I was entitled to one free treatment by a hygienist, further visits would be charged for

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

If it's deemed "clinically necessary" it must be provided be free of charge - see this page http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-righ...-what-can-i-do

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

yep I know, my initial visit WAS necessary but follow up visits for deep cleaning are classed as routine and are chargeable

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

Y'know I think that's exactly the nub of the problem. How do you know when something is clinically necessary? Whether its a hygienist treatment or anything else. You are totally dependant on this one person to tell you the truth, and they are not going to do that if by lying they can get 5 times as much cash out of you. I think that's why the 'paying £50 for a hygienist ' is what nearly everyone does. Who is going to go to another dentist for a 2nd opinion on whether it is 'clinically necessary'? Even if they do and and that dentist says a hygienist is 'clinically necessary', the original dentist will say 'dentists have different opinions, this doesn't mean he's right'

That question needs to be answered. I'm not quite sure who can answer it but I will have to follow it up at some point.

According to NHS I'm entitled to ceramic and/or zirconia for fillings and crowns cos I'm so incredibly allergic (I just had a recent white composite filling removed as it caused terrible pain and burning).. but the NHS practise I belong to is not going to be happy providing ceramic & zirc for NHS prices, so I'm expecting to be told I don't need them or to be told my teeth should be pulled out or some such. I'll then go for a 2nd opinion, be told something else & be in exactly the situation above.

I'm not letting this rest tho, that question about the hygienist needs to be answered.

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

it sure is a grey area, I was expecting further treatments would be free and when told I'd have to pay I didn't make any further appointments, I'd paid out a fortune to the dentist and that was more than enough!

Re: Sign the "Which" petition re NHS dentistry

Yes, our practice has a full time hygienist.