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PRIVATE DENTAL care is available at most dental practices. Practices
might offer exclusively private care or private and NHS care. This leaflet
explains about private dentistry and answers some of the questions that
patients often ask.
What are the benefits of private dental treatment?
Dental practices offer private dental care because:
it allows enough time to provide a quality experience for patients
it provides greater choice for patients. Treatment available on the
NHS can be limited and often does not does not include cosmetic treatment
that patients ask for, such as white fillings or dental implants
a better cosmetic result can be achieved that has a more natural look
they can offer a more personal style of service
they are able to invest in their practice team, their equipment and
surroundings and so improve their services.
These surroundings mean that many dentists have decided to restrict
the NHS care that they provide to children and patients who are entitled
to free NHS dental care.
How can I find out about the cost of private dentistry?
Ask your dental practice for some examples of their typical private
fees. An exact quotation will only usually be possible after an examination
as your clinical needs will determine the treatment your dentist will
recommend. You should be given the cost of the examination when making
an appointment, as well as what it will cover, for example x-rays.
Written estimates and treatment plans must be provided on request and
particularly for extensive or expensive courses of treatment. Dentists'
private charges reflect the actual cost of providing the service, including
the dentist's staff, premises, equipment and the materials used. Your
dentist should be happy to break down the cost of any proposed treatment.
What information should I be given about private treatment?
If you're not sure, the practice will be happy to tell you about the
services offered. Dental practices providing private dental care will
provide a range of written information for patients. Here is some of
the information:
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a practice information leaflet telling you about the practice and
its facilities including an emergency contact telephone number
an appointment card
written estimates and treatment plans
written consent forms for extensive or complicated treatment
copies of x-rays and records if you need them, for example if you
need to change dentists or get a second opinion (there may be a charge
for this)
information about particular treatments, as well as information on
how to look after your teeth
information about how to make known your views on the practice's services
or how to complain if something goes wrong.
How do I know the private treatment suggested is really necessary?
Dentists try very hard to establish relationships with patients that
are based on partnership and open communication.
They must only provide care and treatment that is necessary or improves
the appearance of the teeth should you wish this. Your dentist will
be able to describe exactly the proposed treatment, its benefits and
any risks involved, as well as any alternatives that may be available.
If your dentist is suggesting a complex treatment plan, such as a
bridge or dental implants, you should have the opportunity to consider
the suggestion fully and obtain a second opinion from another dentist
if you wish. This is all part of the process of gaining full and informed
consent to the proposed treatment.
Are there any quality systems for dental practices?
There are a number of different quality systems that dental practices
can use. The British Dental Association has its own Good Practice
Scheme. BDA Good Practices comply with a range of standards to ensure
good patient care for NHS and private dentistry.
Practices that provide NHS dental care, which are more than 96 per
cent of practices, have also been inspected by the NHS to ensure they
comply with good professional practice and health and safety legislation.
What if I have a complaint?
A formal complaints procedure for private dental care is still being
developed. But if you have a complaint about private dentistry you
dental practice must deal with it properly and speedily through their
in-practice procedure.
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