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Private Dentists
If you have decided that you want to visit a private dentist, then you can make a quick search through the Dentists Near Me database for practices across the UK. A comprehensive range of quality general, cosmetic and specialist dentists are offered and you can browse the available professionals for one that is just right for you.
Private dental care is about more than just offering the treatment necessary to maintain good oral health. It offers more choice, an enhanced service and may be more affordable than you think.
How much will private dental treatment cost me?
Private treatment does not come with set charges, and the price of treatment will vary depending on which practice you go to. You should always understand and agree with your dentist on what the costs will be before treatment starts. The cost will usually be based on the time treatment takes, what work is being done and also will reflect the cost of materials used.
Always ask for a written treatment plan with an estimate of cost before any treatment starts.
What payment options are there?
There are several ways you can pay for private dental treatment:
- Pay-as-you-go
- Capitation schemes
- Dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Cash plans
- Treatment loans
Pay-as-you-go
It is customary to pay for treatment, whether it is NHS or private, either during the course of that treatment or at the end. You will usually be asked for payment at reception when you leave. Ask for a receipt when you pay.
Private treatment ‘Capitation schemes'
Capitation schemes will help you ‘save’ towards any treatment necessary by making a monthly direct debit payment. Your dentist or a specialist company will operate the scheme. Generally there will be two types of plans:
Maintenance plans
Comprehensive plans
Dentist’s costs will vary and how healthy your mouth is or isn’t might also affect the cost.
A maintenance plan through your dentist will be designed to offer preventive care, with an agreed number of examinations a year, and to include x-rays, and any scale and polishing needed. There will be extra charges for other procedures and for any laboratory fees.
A comprehensive plan will usually offer unlimited dental treatment, but may not cover laboratory fees and some other types of treatment (for example - dental implants). You will have to have a healthy mouth before most schemes accept you.
Some plans may have insurance cover included to cover any accidental damage or dental emergencies.
Dental insurance (this can cover both NHS and private costs)
You can buy dental insurance yourself, or you may be offered it with your employment. What it costs will depend on the level of cover you opt for.
Dental insurance will normally cover both unplanned and routine treatment. It might also include treatment in an emergency or following an accident at home in the UK or abroad. There might also be cover for oral cancer, hospital cash payments and other items.
There are many dental insurers, providing their own plans. The main things you should consider before taking out insurance are:
- Any ‘waiting period’ that you have to complete before you make a claim? How long do you have to pay into the plan before you can claim for treatment?
- Make sure the cover offered is suitable and covers the kind of treatment you will have - NHS or private.
- What is the percentage of the costs you can get back?
- Is there an‘excess'? Do you have to pay an amount of say £30 towards any claim?
- Check the total amount you are covered for and also check if there are any limits for specific treatments.
- Find out what the policy is regarding any problems with your teeth that existed before your cover.
Private medical insurance
You could buy private medical insurance for yourself or it may sometimes be provided as an employment benefit. Most schemes will be unlikely to cover ordinary dental treatment but will provide cover if you need to be hospitalised for treatment. Always read your policy very carefully so that you do not end up thinking you are covered for a certain treatment when that is not the case.
Cash plans
These plans are like insurance designed for you to claim back some of the costs either on the NHS or with private treatment. Most of them will have a limit on what you can claim in any one year.
Cash plans are not regulated by law in the way that insurance policies are, and usually will not offer cover for the unexpected. Benefits will not be the same as they would be with dental insurance.
Always check what refunds and benefits are included in your plan.
Credit agreements and loans
For expensive dental treatment you might want to consider taking out a loan. You would borrow a sum of money and then pay it back over a period of time, usually with interest. Look for specialist loans for the high-cost items of treatment such as implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Which method of payment should I choose?
Your personal circumstances and the level of risk you want to take will determine what payment option you choose. There is no doubt that you do need to visit the dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy. Preventing problems is better than dealing with problems and visiting the dentist regularly will attract a cost. However this will be considered money well spent if it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
How should I pay for my dental treatment?
You will pay for dental treatment when you are a private patient according to the arrangements you have made with your dentist. Dentists Near Me will help you find a dentist in your area whom you can see as a private patient, For a list for dentists in your area you can visit www.dentists-near-me.co.uk
Always check whether you are being treated privately or on the NHS, before you begin treatment. Always get an estimate of how much treatment is going to cost before starting treatment.