Scale And Polish

[cameliaheartfelt]

When you have your teeth cleaned at the dentist is the polish ie that minty stuff with that buffer gadget, included in a 'scale and polish' on the nhs?

[treetops68]

I believe that is correct from what the Better Half tells me. (I have dentures.)

[Maydup]

Yes it is included.

NHS charge for check up and scale/polish is band 1.

Band 1 course of treatment – £18.50
This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant.

[black_cat51]

not all NHS dentists do scale and polish on the NHS.

[J9PUR]

Yes it is included, in that there is no extra fee involved. However, not all teeth will need polishing.

[Purple_Popple]

No they don't Black cat! I have asked for one numerous times and my dentist won't do them... He once told me it's not included and costs extra.

[cameliaheartfelt]

Mmm, interesting. I went to the dentist last week and didn't have the usual lady as she had suddenly left. The last time I saw her she was running an hour late so could only do a quick check. The senior dentist I thought was going to do a scale and polish but only did the scale. When I asked him about the polish he said it wasn't included on the NHS and I didn't have staining? He asked me with a smirk if the previous lady had done it to which I said no as I had only ever gone to her urgently with toothache. I came away feeling very short changed. I was also asked to pay again when I returned to reception to which I explained I had done a few weeks prior. When I had asked the dentist too about rebooking, when I said is it 6 months, he said no, it was 9? I won't be returning! Too far anyway as I only followed the lady who had left their other practice more local to me. So, do you think I should have had a polish too, I've never known it!

[EcclesCake]

Perhaps your teeth didn't require polishing?

As an aside I use a private dentist. We have agreed that my visits will be annual as I have healthy teeth and have not required any active treatment for years and years. Do you have problems with your teeth do you frequently require treatment that requires more regular monitoring?

[viv38]

Whenever I go to my dentist for a check up, he always does a scale and polish as well, it's all in.

[tezmand]

no its not included in the £18.50 unless the dentist thinks you need it , dentist will however do it if you pay £33 for it , my dentist asks me every time i go if i want a scale and polish and then tells me the price on top of the check up price £18.50 so i promptly say no , moral of story dentist will neber say you need it only do you want it that way they get more money

[askyourgran]

It used to be part of the check-up but nowadays I believe it is a separate treatment that you pay for. I was corralled to see the hygienist who scaled and polished my teeth (I think it was about £18 at the time) and I refused to go again. Flossing helps.