Hi everyone!
Can someone please explain nhs dental costs to me like I’m an idiot? The way I understand it is- dentists in the U.K.- there’s private (strictly private no nhs) and dentists who are private but also accept nhs.
NHS treatment comes under three bands depending on treatment you need. Unless you are on certain benefits or exempt from paying.
I’m currently on esa so I believe I am exempt from paying? I haven’t been since the pandemic but managed to register at my local dentist (who takes nhs and private) but I have no idea if I’m registered as an nhs patient or a private one. I assume they won’t tell me until they see me and assess what needs doing? Everyone is telling me that I won’t have to pay for an initial appointment with the dentist but I will have to pay to see the hygienist as they all work as private?
My understanding was that my initial visit and work with the hygienist would come under band one which I would be exempt from paying?
Obviously I’m a little worried about the potential costs as last time I went it was very expensive as some treatment was done on the nhs and some was done privately. I can’t afford that again as it’s money that I don’t have at the moment. How do I say politely to the dentist that i am not interested in any private work as I can’t afford it? This is my first time on any kind of benefit and I’m just really worried about coming out with a big bill!
Do I need to take proof of my exemption or is it done via my national insurance number?
Thank you in advice from a lass with major toothache!
Can someone please explain nhs dental costs to me like I’m an idiot? The way I understand it is- dentists in the U.K.- there’s private (strictly private no nhs) and dentists who are private but also accept nhs.
NHS treatment comes under three bands depending on treatment you need. Unless you are on certain benefits or exempt from paying.
I’m currently on esa so I believe I am exempt from paying? I haven’t been since the pandemic but managed to register at my local dentist (who takes nhs and private) but I have no idea if I’m registered as an nhs patient or a private one. I assume they won’t tell me until they see me and assess what needs doing? Everyone is telling me that I won’t have to pay for an initial appointment with the dentist but I will have to pay to see the hygienist as they all work as private?
My understanding was that my initial visit and work with the hygienist would come under band one which I would be exempt from paying?
Obviously I’m a little worried about the potential costs as last time I went it was very expensive as some treatment was done on the nhs and some was done privately. I can’t afford that again as it’s money that I don’t have at the moment. How do I say politely to the dentist that i am not interested in any private work as I can’t afford it? This is my first time on any kind of benefit and I’m just really worried about coming out with a big bill!
Do I need to take proof of my exemption or is it done via my national insurance number?
Thank you in advice from a lass with major toothache!