2nd September 2016
The Benefits of Receiving Dental Care from Private vs. NHS
Receiving dental care is an important step in the process of keeping teeth healthy and clean. In the UK, there are two options for where to receive dental care, either from the NHS or from private dental practices. Both options offer their own benefits and drawbacks, making it difficult for some people to decide what is right for them. The following are some things that should be taken into account when deciding where to go for dental services.
1.) Availability
Due to the budget of the NHS, getting an appointment can be hard, as there are not many open slots to see the dentist. However, with private practices, they are available 24 hours, and even offer emergency appointments. Depending on what you are requiring, this may be an extremely important factor for your dental care needs.
2.) Price
When looking at the cost of going to private or NHS, many will find that the NHS costs much less. They offer three categories of fixed rates for services. The first is £18.80 for procedures like x-rays and scale and polish. The second is £51.30 for treatments like fillings and root canals. And last, costs £222.50 for crowns and dentures. One important thing about these fixed rates is that if you have to receive another procedure from the same band within two months, then it is already covered. The cost at a private firm can be more expensive, but most of the prices only average around £10-15 more, obviously depending on the dentist you have chosen.
3.) Payment Help
While the private firms may cost a bit more, they offer ways to help pay for the treatment, through insurance, loans, dental plans, and discounts. However, they don’t offer any extra for disadvantages groups, whereas NHS offers free services for those under 18, pregnant women or women with babies 12 months or less, and those on income support.
4.) Services
Due to the low budget of the NHS, most times they only offer services to cure people, rather than those that are preventative. They also do not offer cosmetic treatments. With private practices, you will be offered a wider choice of services and they do cosmetic work, as well. View our range of cosmetic dentistry treatments in Warrington.
5.) Emergencies
When it comes to dental care, there are often emergencies regarding teeth. At a private firm, it can cost around £50-100 for an emergency appointment, but they will see you right away. At NHS, it will only be £18.80, but the chances that they will be able to see you quickly are slim due to unavailability.
Dental care is not a small endeavour. Deciding where to go to get the best treatments is important. Private practices may cost more, but they offer more treatments and work to prevent further problems. They also have better availability to fix problems right away. If there is any trouble with coming up with the cost, they offer ways to help you afford to get treatments through insurances, loans, dental plans, and discounts. Ultimately, the choice is for you to make for what is best for you and your family!
