Why Choose A Private Dentist
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The NHS website offers a handy tool you can use to find a dentist near where you live. This tool outlines each dental surgery, and whether they are taking on new NHS patients. The majority of dentists that pop up (depending on your area) are currently not taking new NHS patients without a referral.
The British Dental Association has long been debating whether the NHS dental system is slowly coming to an end. Funding for the NHS has been deteriorating for a while now, while NHS patients are left waiting unreasonable times to receive necessary treatments. This can make it difficult for people to receive the dental care they deserve. As a result, many are thinking about whether they should go private.
There are plenty of anxieties people may have when debating whether to choose a private dentist or not. With the current rising cost of living, considering the price of private treatment is one obvious concern. Concerns about cost are often the main deterrent when it comes to seeking private dental care.
However, many don’t think about how going private might actually be the more economical option. Here’s our guide on how choosing a private dentist may be more beneficial for your health – and your finances.
NHS dentistry waiting lists are now extensive. This is because there is just not enough funding in the NHS dental system. The pandemic also contributed to these long waiting periods, where people were told they may have to wait up to 3 years to receive dental treatment through the NHS.
These long waiting times can be detrimental to your dental health. Once a dental problem begins, it can quickly get worse. Certain dental issues can be extremely painful, limiting your everyday activities and reducing your quality of life if they’re left undealt with for longer periods of time. As well as the pain, you may end up with an even worse problem than you started with – maybe one that can’t be rectified.
With private dentists, you’ll likely be able to book an appointment within just 1 week. This means you’ll receive treatment quickly, and your dental health won’t deteriorate due to long waiting times.
Going to a private dentist means you’ll be able to access many more dental treatments that aren’t usually available on the NHS. NHS dentists are limited to providing only very necessary or emergency treatments. If you choose to go private, you will have access to more options such as cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments.
Cosmetic dental treatments aren’t always deemed necessary, but they can have a huge impact on your confidence levels. Many private dentists also specialise in these treatments, from teeth whitening and invisible braces, to veneers and composite bonding.
It makes sense to stick with the same dentist for both your general dental treatments and check-ups, and any cosmetic dental procedures. Again, there’s the concern about cost. Private dentists like ours at Ringway Dental are committed to providing accessible options for our patients, with 0% financing plans to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Within the NHS, it is difficult to build a strong rapport between patient and health and dental care providers. Due to a lack of funding, it can feel almost impossible to secure a consistent dentist. This can have implications regarding your dental health.
53% of people in the UK experience feelings of anxiety surrounding going to the dentist. It’s a common phobia, but it’s one that can be exacerbated when you are treated in unfamiliar surroundings – or by an unfamiliar dentist that you haven’t managed to build a connection with.
While all dentists will do their best to provide you with a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable in the dental chair, it’s not easy to achieve this. 17% of people even avoid the dentist due to their phobias – leading to worsening dental problems that progress with time.
If you go to a private dentist, you will likely be free to choose the dentist you feel most comfortable with. This can help many patients feel more at ease about their dental appointments, encouraging them to seek treatment when it is needed. This can be beneficial to both your dental, physical, and mental health.
Private dental surgeries understand the concerns many people have surrounding their finances – and the cost of dental care often pushes patients away from seeking the help they need. The truth is, you might end up paying more in the long run if you put up with lengthy NHS dental waiting times.
NHS dental care is not free for most patients. It is only free for children and students under 19, pregnant and post-partum mothers, those in hospital, and those on certain benefits. It’s split into 3 bands:
Examinations, any necessary x-rays and polishing treatments.
Fillings, extractions, root canal procedures.
More complex treatments – bridges, dentures, and crowns, etc.
While these prices seem a bit cheaper than going private at first glance, you need to factor in any further deterioration to your dental health that may happen while you wait up to 3 years for NHS treatment.
If you end up being referred to a private dentist by your NHS for treatment anyway, you’ll have to pay two fees – the NHS band that covers your NHS treatment, as well as your private dental fees.
At Ringway Dental, we offer flexible payment options that can help to reduce the financial burden. Our 0% dental finance plans let you choose the payment option that suits you – and it only takes 2 minutes to apply.
At Ringway Dental, our private cosmetic, general, and implant dental surgery is all about supporting patients in a relaxed environment. Based in Cheadle in Manchester, our experienced team are dedicated to providing cohesive, private quality dental care for all of our patients.
Choosing a private dentist can ensure you receive the correct treatment at the right time, supporting your dental health with consistent care and options that make you feel more comfortable and in control.
If you’d like to get in touch about our award-winning, highly-rated private dental services, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Call our surgery now on 0161 437 2029, or send us a message via our website.
You can even book a dental appointment with us straight away. Or choose a free online Smile Consultation with our smile advisor Stephanie, with most waiting times limited to just 1 week. With private dental care, you have plenty more options to explore with your dental health. We can’t wait to see your smiles!
