Dentist Enquiry

[SusanLisa]

I have a few questions about my current dentist. I haven't had a dentist in about 3 years due to moving etc so in December I looked on the NHS dentist website for a dentist taking on NHS patients and found one. I rang them to make an appointment and the receptionist said I could come in & the dentist will access me & we'll go from there. My appointment was the other day and I was charged �15 for this assessment which showed I needed 14 fillings! They told me the work I needed doing would be done privately at �200 total and then after all this was done, they would change me to an NHS patient. My first question is are they allowed to do this as they advertised they were taking on NHS patients at the time I made my appointment & secondly can they charge me privately then change me to NHS when they want to? The other thing is I am very scared of the work that needs doing and in the past I have had an injection in my hand to make me fall asleep which I think was Valium, and I asked my new dentist whether I can have it with them, she said no. Is there a chance that if I pay for this injection, could I request it? Any info / answers would be appreciated. Sue x

[Breezy23]

Hi SusanLisa
I don't know the legalities regarding private to NHS query but I too am petrified of the dentist. If you want intravenous sedation you will need to ask around to see who offers this although you won't get it on the NHS. I've just paid �85 per session (hour) to have this done on top of the cost for the work, but well worth it if you ask me. Dentists seem to vary on how much they charge for this, mine was �85 but another in the same town wanted �200 a time so you'll need to ask firstly. Good luck.

[kaylamay]

get a 2nd opinion first. Why would you have to pay on the NHS, i'm English, but live in California. So, what you pay for the work you need done and when you wont cost them any money they sign you up for NHS? that sounds funny to me. What if you dont have 200 pound? If you end up having to pay then TELL them what you want, dont be affraid and too and polite, dont just sit and let them have at you. it is your mouth they must follow your wishes.Are they going to do all 14 fillings at once? seems like a lot. is cheap if you are Why not say NO, you will sign me up for NHS now and my dental care will be taken care of through NHS! If you dont ask or actually tell, you wont get. My mum moved back to England after living in the US for 20+ years and we both worked in the medical field in the US so now when my mum has to see the Dr and they say, "oh mrs Hone we can fit you in 6 weeks form next Monday", she reads them the riot act and they magically fit her right in no later than the next day. put your foot down(preferably on someones ear)
Look plenty of foreigners come in to England and practically get handed the key to the city so you deserve your share too. i do not think you should have to pay before they sign you up, it's not like they are gong to give you a refund. Talk to the dentist before your actual appointment about having numbing shots in the gums and a numbing topical solution to be applied before the shot. i have never felt any pain whatsoever when they use this method and i hate the dentist.Most important thing though is that you feel comfortable with what is going to happen. Ask the dentist whatever questions you feel the need to ask, do feel intimidated as after all it's your mouth they are going to have their hands in and you should have the first and last say paying or not. RIGHT?! Be brave Sue and stand up to that big bad dentist and those that will be signing you up for NHS! YOu have rights!
Mikala

[kaylamay]

oops-ps-i meant DO NOT feel intimidated.