British Dentistry in the Seattle Times

ok- I'm moving to the UK in a month, and this article did not help me feel good about the dental care there. I've never had a cavity in my life.  Has anyone had positive experiences with dentistry in Britain?? Or any tips on navigating the system?

Does anyone know if the water is fluoridated in Bath?


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2002977583_britteeth07.html

Personally, I've had wonderful dental care here in the UK.  My dentist here is one of the best I've ever had.  All the equipment is top-notch and very modern.  Only positives to report here.

I'm British and I only have one filling (and yes I have all the rest of my teeth, thank you!).  And I came to need that while I was living in New Zealand.  

You will be able to get decent dental treatment here, the question is whether you can find an NHS dentisit in your area, ie get subsidised treatment.  If not, you can see a private dentist, which will cost a bit (or maybe a lot) more.

Mine's been really great, too. I did, however, have a lot of work done before I left the US (because I was scared of UK dentistry). So now there's really nothing left to be done! But I had nothing to be scared of -- my dentist here is good and up-to-date and knowledgeble and all that. Mine is private, however, not NHS. Still it's very inexpensive.

I'm pretty sure there's fluoride in the water in Bath, but not 100%. I'm sure someone will be able to confirm.

A lot of areas here do have fluoridated water.  My British DH has never had a cavity in his entire life...I, on the other hand, have a whole mouthful of them/fillings.  We do need to find ourselves a dentist...

Tips on navagating the system:  Go private.    I understand this isn't an option for everyone, so if you can't afford to go private try to get on a waiting list to register for an NHS dentist as soon as possible.   Hopefully by the time you need something, you will have worked your way up the list.

That article was a bit scary, but I think that was a bit over the top.   There are dental insurance programs you can join.  I think you pay like £10 a month and you get one cleaning a year at a private dentist, plus anything major that comes up is severly discounted.  Sounds a lot like the insurance in the US.

I just spoke to my boss who lives in Bath and he thinks they do put Flouride in the water.  

If you have good teeth now, moving to the UK won't suddenly start making them go bad!  Access to NHS dentists can be dire, although you can *always* get emergency appointments if you need to (even if you have to go private).

I haven't been to a dentist in 11 years (wow, just worked that out!) and I have great teeth.  If you are in an area where the water isn't flouridated, don't worry, just brush and floss a little more.


Vicky

You can also see a dental hygienist for flouride treatment (and other cleaning work).

I love my dentist. I go every three months for a cleaning and once a year for a check up. I never had a good experience with dental care in the USA but love it here!
I have an NHS dentist but he does do private work also.

We went private and our UK dentist is just as good if not better than anything I have had in the USA.   Exceptionally clean and very careful about everything.  Friendly too.

I have not always had dental insurance in the USA and have found that even with the horrible exchange rate that my check up and cleanings (IDH and I needed a scaling as we waited too long) were cheaper than in the USA. Oh and 100% better than my one HMO nasty ,dirty office experience in hole in the wall GA.

You can purchase insurance from http://www.denplan.co.uk/ if you are worried about cost for long term care.

You do need to be aware that if you need a deeper cleaning you will need two appointments.  The first is with a Dentist that will do a check of your teeth and an assessment.  They also will do quick cleans.

If you need scaling you will then need to make an appointment for the hygenist.

I think that some people think that since they used to get free or near free care that they are entitled to it, and therefore refuse to pay for it.

Some obviously can't afford to pay.

You do need to be aware that if you need a deeper cleaning you will need two appointments.  The first is with a Dentist that will do a check of your teeth and an assessment.  They also will do quick cleans.

If you need scaling you will then need to make an appointment for the hygenist.

The first time I went for a cleaning, I discovered this. It was over so quickly! I wondered ... where's the "scraping"?!?

So at my next six-month checkup, I just booked a double appointment -- not two separate ones. Now, my dentist knows that I'm always going to want scaling, so a double appointment is always set aside for me.

Our dentist decides if you need one or not. 

So we have to book the hygienist one week later so we can always cancel if we don't need a scaling.  Otherwise their hygienist is booked 3 months out!

He is really, really great through and efficient... I was in and out in 25 minutes ... the one odd thing for me was some "sandpaper" type floss he used.

I have always had NHS dentists, and have had no problems with them.
I get good care, for an affordable price.

That article makes all brits sound like they don't brush ever and they've never heard of a dentist. Just because they aren't obsessed with "hollywood" teeth, doesn't mean they all have rotting mouths. My dentist in England is great. I get my checkups every 9 months with a cleaning. MOst do have to pay for the dentist, but it's nothing like of you have to pay in the US. A checkup for me is about £20, which in my opinion is worth it. The story is about one guy who ripped his own tooth out. He does not represent an entire country. I hate stories like this.

Thanks for the tips everyone.  I looked up the Denplan and its something I will look more into. Does anyone use that?

I agree that the article was rather extreme.  It sure helps to hear that others have had positive experiences.