British Dentistry in the Seattle Times

My British husband has no cavities either and he has perfectly straight teeth.

I broke a tooth last year and had to go to the dentist, I was worried that I wouldn't get the same kind of care as I was used to but I did. The dentist's office was very high tech and he did a great job. I have a dental plan through work.

I don't think it's quite as dire as the article makes out, but people are desperate for NHS dental care. If you want to see a dentist, you have virtually no choice but to go private, but to be honest, for basic cleanings and check-ups, it doesn't come to a lot over a year. People here are just so used to things being free, it seems to me, that they balk at the idea of paying for health care.

People here are just so used to things being free, it seems to me, that they balk at the idea of paying for health care.

I think it's a little more than the fact that they're used to it being free. We do pay high taxes and, in part, that's to support the NHS. Everyone in the UK should be able to receive free NHS dental care since we pay for it.

Having said that, I do have private dental care for convenience's sake. I have relatives, however, who'd rather drive an hour to the nearest NHS dentist than have to "pay double" to see the dentist. I sort of see their point.

There are meant to be more NHS dentists since 1 April this year. I checked the NHS website and there are now several practices in my town offering NHS treatment whereas before there were none.  Mind you I haven't actually called one yet, they may still have long waiting lists.  BTW NHS dental care isn't free, you still pay (except for a few exemptions), but it's considerably cheaper than going private.

I've had two root canals, three fillings and one bridge on the NHS and it's been fine. 

I just had a tooth I'd have crowned in the US extracted yesterday - my gums receded during pregnancy and infection was able to get under the old crown (there wasn't much tooth left) - and will be in for a bridge in 4 weeks.

Think it's pretty region dependent as to the kind of care you get.

Hiya

I have many many family relations (and friends) in the US, Canada, India and UK who work as dentists (can you tell we're an Indian family?!!)

Talking to them all there really isn't that 'much' of a difference in practice methods or quality of care. The 'stereotypical' all 'english people have bad teeth' thing is a leftover from hundreds of years ago and is a part of the usual rivalry make fun of each others countries type thing!

Its the 'system' of care which is more in the direction of what you're getting at. The NHS is good, no doubt, but it's also completley over burdened and creaking at the seams so to speak. Better responses and accessibility can be had by going private - as previously mentioned by others. This doesn't mean you should discount the NHS system, just be prepared to have the possibility of a longer wait or administration crap to get through to get your care and again, sometimes it can be quicker than you'd imagine.

From memory at a news report, I think all water in the UK has Flouride added although I think there are varying levels/amounts. I may be wrong on this, but I was under the impression it has always been done since around the 50's ..

good luck
Dennis! West London & Slough UK!

Just a question. Is it really that hard getting an NHS dentist? I just walked into the surgery that was closest to home and they took me as a patient. No waiting list at all. So far on the NHS I got free (with maternity certificate) 3 fillings, an extraction, bridge and three veneers. Not sure my dentist was supposed to do my veneers on the NHS but he did anyway.
Now that I dont have a maternity certificate. I still go every three months for a polish and scale. I pay just £9.95 each time and an extra £5 for a check up. Cant beat it!!

Having said that, I do have private dental care for convenience's sake. I have relatives, however, who'd rather drive an hour to the nearest NHS dentist than have to "pay double" to see the dentist. I sort of see their point.

I see their point too because if they don't have private its very expensive...even with private (I've seen the price list for your share, its still very expensive). That said, my practice seems very posh to me and the prices reflected that. If I ever need major work I will probably "shop" around.

Just a question. Is it really that hard getting an NHS dentist? I just walked into the surgery that was closest to home and they took me as a patient. No waiting list at all. So far on the NHS I got free (with maternity certificate) 3 fillings, an extraction, bridge and three veneers. Not sure my dentist was supposed to do my veneers on the NHS but he did anyway.
Now that I don't have a maternity certificate. I still go every three months for a polish and scale. I pay just £9.95 each time and an extra £5 for a check up. Cant beat it!!

That's a bargin! I have seen on the news that there are terrible wait lists and when a new NHS dentist opens up the line of people is large.....100's waiting to get in and sign up. That was the last news report I saw, forget what towne it was. Also, if I am not mistaken I think I heard that the Isle of Wight has no NHS dentists, people have to take the ferry over to get care.

From memory at a news report, I think all water in the UK has Flouride added

No, it doesn't.  A bill was passed in the House of Commons about 3 years ago allowing water companies to add flouride if they wish, but certainly not all have done so.

Vicky

I've lived most of my life in the UK and at 24 my teeth are in perfect condition.   I was registered with a dentist under the NHS until about two years ago when the dentist, olike many others here in the UK, decided to go into private practice so I went along qwith that and joined something called Denplan.   Under this private scheme I pay a fee (by direct debit through my bank) of £15.33 per month. 

My dentist is great and it's really ok going to see him every month for regular checkups and do any stuff that needs doing like polishing etc.    His receptionist and assistants are great and he has a great sense of humour it's hard keeping my mouth still and open while he tells these funny stories.   I wonder how he expects me to do that sometimes.

Personally I don't recognise that scenario in the Seattle link.   None of my friends or family have bad teeth or dental trouble at all to speak of, even though the monthly checks sometimes mean having some tidy up work done. 

Denplan Limited
Denplan Court
Victoria Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 7RG
UK                        Tel:  0800 028 3856

Correction to my post;  I go and see my dentist every three months, and not every month as I said.   Just noticed my mistake when I read thru my post. 

Correction to my post;  I go and see my dentist every three months, and not every month as I said.   Just noticed my mistake when I read thru my post. 

LOL!  I was thinking - wow, he must really like going to the dentist!

My husband just went to the dentist yesterday. It was £107 for a check up, x-rays, consult and cleaning (mild cleaning which was £60 vs. a possible £80 if he had needed an intense treatment). Thank goodness we have private insurance that will pay for the majority of it. That said, its a great dental practice so worth it...with insurance that is. 

I happen to need emergency treatment now I have a wisdom tooth that is anywhere between 1/4-1/2 gone and it hurts like hell It was also bleeding yesterday and sending shocking pain through my mouth.

Im pregnant, so I know dental treatment is supposed to be of no cost, but how do I go about proving this? theyve not sent me the rx/dental card...there seem to be about 4 dentists through the NHS in this area, so hoping one can get me in asap.

Ok I ended up getting two choices, either a walk-in for emergency type things (like this) or private for about £115-145 for initial appt and extraction.

Still not sure why I dont have a maternity certificate, as Im sure I gave it to the midwife (the form they had me fill out to get the certificate).