Why High Dental Costs.

[modeller]

I have been quoted £250 for a tooth to be capped on the NHS and £700+ to have a false tooth attached to it. No NHS available for that work.

How can those costs be justified ?

[douglas9401]

I suppose the easiest way to find out the time, effort and cost involved in carrying out the work would be to give it a bash yourself and see how you go.

[sunny-dave]

They can't - dentistry is an unregulated (in terms of price) cash cow, where the public can be milked by greedy "professionals" - right up there with the Vets in the ludicrous level of charges.

Just check the fancy cars in their driveways ...

[ there are exceptions to this somewhat exaggerated view - but they are diamonds in the coal mine ... ]

[boxtops]

You're paying for the dentist, the dental technician, and their expertise, and all the materials used. Shop around - prices vary considerably.

[Svejk]

I'm afraid you'll just have to pay, modeller.
They make fun of people who don't have perfect teeth.( Hilarious jeremy kyle references & suchlike)

[Chinajan]

The NHS part of the treatment has a maximum charge of £209.00. The rest must be regarded as cosmetic, and chargeable privately.

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2012

Band 1 course of treatment – £17.50
This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment – £48.00
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment – £209.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

[modeller]

Thanks Chinajan being as I have already paid the £17.50 for a 10 minute check up that at least should be knocked of the price of any other work.

Douglas . I was in business for many years and I know the cost of incidentals. I have also done a lot of small fine detailed work but I also know
a rip off when I see it.

[bednobs]

if ther tooth is being capped, why do you need a falsie attached? As has been said before it must be classsed as cosmetic i guess. The nHS contract only states the dentist to make you "orally healthy"

[modeller]

If you read my post it says #to have a false tooth attached to it# that's because the tooth next to it is missing and whilst having the one capped it could have another one attached to it.

[bednobs]

sorry modeller, i thought you meant a false tooth over a cap!