NHS dental practice
NHS dental practice is a form of dental care that is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. It is free at the point of delivery to all UK residents and is funded by the government. NHS dentists must follow set procedures and regulations when providing treatment, which are set out by central government. All registered NHS dental practices must meet certain standards, including having a safe and hygienic environment, being adequately equipped, and having appropriately qualified staff who have correct qualifications.
Private dental practice
Private dental practices are those that are not operated by the National Health Service (NHS). These practices provide services like general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and other specialty treatments. Private dental practices may also provide emergency care or accept insurance.
What are the differences between NHS and private dental care?
The differences between NHS and private dental care can be vast, and patients should always research their options before making any decisions. NHS dental practices provide a comprehensive range of treatments on the National Health Service for those who are eligible. Private dental clinics offer a more tailored approach to treatment and typically charge higher fees for their services.
Can you mix NHS and private dental treatment?
The two main types of dental practice available in the United Kingdom are NHS (National Health Service) and private practices. The primary difference between the two is how they are funded. With NHS dental practices, the government subsidises a portion of the cost, making it more accessible to those on lower incomes or those who cannot afford private treatment. Private dental practices, on the other hand, are independent businesses that rely solely on fees from patients and do not receive any sort of government funding.
Not all dental treatments are available on the NHS
The NHS will generally only cover basic treatments such as check-ups, fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions. However, if more advanced or cosmetic treatments such as veneers, crowns, tooth whitening or implants are required then these must be accessed through a private dental practice.
Private practices may also offer options for specialist services such as orthodontics (braces) or oral surgery.
Appointment flexibility at private dental practice
Private dental practices generally offer more flexibility in terms of appointment times than NHS dental practices. This is because private dentists do not have to work according to a set schedule or within any restrictions that may be imposed by the NHS. Private dentists can therefore accommodate a wider range of appointment times, including evenings and weekends if necessary. This means that patients with busy schedules can often find an appointment time that suits them better at a private practice than they would be able to find at an NHS one.