HOW DOES THE U.K NHS DENTAL SYSTEM WORK?

Question

HOW DO YOU GET INTO THE DENTISTS THESE DAYS?
IM APPARENTLY, NOT REGISTERED WITH A DENTIST AND IVE TRIED TO REGISTER IN SHROPSHIRE WITH LOADS BUT NO PLACES ARE AVAILABLE? DO WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WHO WORK BUT ARE NOT REGISTERED BUT DONT WANT TO PAY PRIVATELY??
(MY FILLING HAS FALLEN OUT)
PLEASE HELP, IM IN AGONY!!!

Answer 1

Hi Victoria
I work in an NHS Dental Practice in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Its called No Worries Dentistry, and we are still taking on new patients. There is no waiting list. Just give us a ring and we can get you an appointment. Our number is 01743 465473.
Best Wishes

Answer 2

The thing is that a dentist in the uk is a dentist. Some have agreed to work within the NHS (or at least try to) and some will work privately, but the is no actual difference in the dentist. Some will do a bit of both.

UK dentists are responsible for their own business costs, including staff, accommodation and equipment. So if the dentist is given a rubbish deal by their primary care trust (for NHS treatment) they are more likely to see private patients. And at the end of the day the NHS is not a bottomless pit, it is paid for by tax payers, so there is only so much money available.

Since April 2006, the primary care trust you are in will have decided how much money to make available for dentistry, rather than the government direct. This means that is in some places the access to dentistry will be better than before, and in some places it is worse.

But please don't blame the dentists, who are on the whole trying to make the best of things, treat patients as best as possible and trying to run the business as well! Shop around and try and find a cheaper private dentist if you can't find an NHS one, you may be surprised how little it could cost you.

Answer 3

In order to get treatment as quickly as possible:

1. Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. They will advise you regarding the availability of NHS dentistry in your area. I work much too far from Shropshire to help you I'm afraid.

2. Failing NHS Direct, you may need to pay privately. An emergency appointment for a lost filling is unlikely to cost you hundreds and the dentist can take the time they need to help you. Private dentistry can also offer a wider/ more modern range of treatments than those available on the NHS in any case.

3. Without sounding too cynical, this problem was probably preventable- try and visit the dentist regularly in future once this problem is sorted. You will save time, money and pain this way believe me.

Answer 4

.
There's an emergency dentist service (run by the NHS) where I live, ring any dentist and ask (or try NHS Direct. I can't believe I suggested that!).

I'm pretty certain the NHS has to provide for emergencies (or people would be in agony if they couldn't afford to pay), I'm not sure if local hospitals end up doing it there days.

More and more dentists are leaving the NHS, mine left last year and now I'm forced to pay for a private healthcare scheme.

There's an NHS waiting list you can get on with your local health authority but to be honest I don't think you'll reach the top of it.

Blame the government, it's what the dentists seem to be doing!

Answer 5

the dental system is currently very poor , particularly as dentists no longer have to 'register' you , if you are lucky then you may find one that will see you for regular treatment

if you are in pain then you should be able to get into a dental acess centre for a one off treatment but its mostly for pain and not for routine treatment. ie a filling will be a temporary filling.

NHS Direct 0845 46 47 will have the most recent info on any dentists taking on, but be warned that it is unlikely that there are any. You can contact the Primary Care Trust and see if you can put your name down on a waiting list- which seems pointless but would stand you in better stead than most if a dentist turns up.

I have recently taken out Axa ppp health care insurance , which i know is still paying privately but their cashback plan means you get something back
also if you ring around private dentists they are not all totally extortianate although many are.
good luck.
also many people are travelling to Poland as dental work can be done by drop in!
also in response to the above comment, a filling or cap e.t.c will not be classed as an emergency. you only get referred to a dental hospital if you have a special need.

Answer 6

Nhs Dentist Telford

Answer 7

Go to the nhs web site and fill in your postcode it will list all the dentists who are taking on new patients.
There is usually an emergency dentist that you can go to, or does your town or a nearby one have a dental school which you can go to.

Answer 8

Just quietly, I wouldn't touch the NHS with a ten-foot-pole. I've seen some seriously compromising work come out of there. I live in Australia at the moment, but the amount of people I have seen and helped fix after having come out of the UK is insane. Go private.

Answer 9

Ring the dental helpline 02380 338 336
They can arrange NHS emergency appointments for you the same day and also tell you any NHS dentists taking on patients in your area (sometimes you have to get on waiting list)
Hope you find one soon.

Answer 10

hi im a dental nurse in telford if u pay ur council tax in the shropshire area u can register with us its white cross dental centre stafford park 1 unit 2 hollinswood court and our num is 01952 290869 we r currently taking on nhs patients the fees are for emergency treatment its £15.50 then u will come back for ur general check and an exam scale and polish is agen £15.50 (this also include any xrays) if u need any treatment (like fillings, extractions) you will then pay £26.90 as well as ur £15.50 to make the overall cost for all ur treatment £42.40 but if u need any crowns bridges or dentures it will be £189.00 which also include all of the above if u need it