dentcaregroup
Maintaining excellent oral and dental health is essential, so choosing the right dentist service is an important decision for us all. In the United Kingdom professional dental care is available through two distinct avenues, through the National Health Service (NHS) or via private dental service.
Here we look at the many factors that should be considered when choosing a dental care service and how each is different depending on whether it is performed with the NHS or privately.
As legal and registered occupants of the UK we are entitled to use a full range of NHS dental services, so eligibility is rarely an issue. Similarly, patients who wish to undertake private treatment can choose from any available service, providing they meet the key criteria set by their preferred practice.
Though there are exceptions related to household earnings, educational status and benefits received, the majority of NHS dental treatments will require at least some financial contribution from the patient. With private treatment however, the patient is liable for 100% of the cost of treatment.
Though the NHS offers a wide range of treatments, these are limited to procedures and care plans that are deemed to be essential to health and development. However, patients choosing a private dental service can choose from any of the treatments offered by their practice.
As per the guidelines regarding health and need, cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening are rarely available through NHS dental services, though there are exceptional circumstances. Therefore the vast majority of cosmetic procedures are performed through specialist private dentists.
Because of the considerable demand for NHS dentistry, waiting times are largely dependent on local requirements and the severity/urgency of dental care required. Private treatments are usually available in a shorter time frame, especially if the chosen practice operates in extended hours.
The Dentalcare Group is a network of nine highly regarded dental practices based in key locations across Berkshire, Hampshire, Northants, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, each offering NHS and private dentistry services.
If you would like to find out more about the range of treatments we have to offer, please call the friendly team at Dentalcare Group today on 01753 740720.
