Dentist Charges

[Kilobite]

Hi,

I hope you can clarify the cost of my Dentist treatment I’ve just received.

I had an appointment yesterday I’m just checking whether I’ve been charged correctly as the £50.50 I paid does seem quite excessive for the work & time involved. I was going to say something at the time of payment but I felt a little embarrassed with all the people in the waiting room... there’s no privacy!

I had a basic clean and routine X-Rays which I understand fall under Band 1 (£18.50)

Now then, I know a ‘normal’ filling falls under Band 2 (£50.50) but in my case I just requested for a tiny hole to be filled, over an existing filling I think... there was no drilling or injection and the work took less than 2 minutes.

I'm just wondering if I've have been charged correctly or should this work be classed as ‘marginal correction of fillings’ which falls under Band 1?

Thanks for your help!

[Prudie]

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Documents/2014/dental-charges-poster-2014.pdf

Unfortunately it looks like as soon as you have anything actually 'done', however small you fall into Band 2. You could try arguing I suppose.

[boxtops]

Count yourself lucky if you have an NHS dentist - but there should be a schedule of charges in the surgery reception.

[gingejbee]

I think minor "extras" could be at your dentist's discretion....both myself and OH have had small repairs done and not been charged (into band 2).

[Lindylou]

Are we talking about NHS charges or private charges? So called private dentists (all trained by the NHS) charge pretty much what they like. NHS charges are on a scale. i.e. a check up and scale and polish is £13. Have a look online and you will be able to see the scale of various charges. Under 18 years of age or 18 years of age but still in full time education, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those in receipt of qualifying benefits, are exempt. If your under 25 or over 60 then the 'check up' and examination are free.

[FoxLee2]

I'm over 60 and don't get free check ups at my NHS dentist so I just googled it and it appears to be true only if you live in Wales.