Angel Link Dental Practice  East Anglian Dentists: Halesworth Dentists
(Printer Friendly)

What if I can’t afford private treatment?

You may be eligible for free treatment under the NHS, and you can find the nearest NHS Dentist by calling NHS Direct, on 0845 4647.

How do I get more information about Denplan?

Please contact us (phone 01986 873001; e-mail us; or just call in and speak to one of our receptionists) and we will provide further written information and discuss any questions.

I don’t approve of you going private – to whom can I complain?

You are welcome to raise any complaints with the Waveney Primary Care Trust, on 01502 719507 or, for example, with your local MP. However, dental practices are free to choose whether or not to provide NHS care.

It’s often reported that Dentists get paid more than Doctors, and I’ve seen dentists driving around in flashy cars. So why do you say you cannot afford to stay within the NHS?

Most Dentists are self-employed and, like any small business, we have to pay for everything out of our gross income. So the fees we receive have to pay for all the dental kit you see in the surgeries, the specialist equipment in the central plant-room, all maintenance and repairs, plus the materials used in treatments. Then there’s insurance, rent, rates, fuel, telephone, stationery, office equipment and bank charges – and that’s before paying the salaries and national insurance for our team of nurses and receptionists. On top of that, dentists are obliged (quite rightly!) to continue their professional development, which means time away from the practice, paying for travelling, course fees and text books.

But we’re not complaining – we’re simply saying we cannot meet all these costs and do the best for your teeth under the NHS fee structure.

If Private treatment is so much better than NHS, can I come for check-ups less often?

Yes, if that’s what you decide. But the very reason for this change is to help us do the best for your teeth. So please help us to help you by visiting regularly (we recommend every 6 months) so that any small problem doesn’t get worse. Prompt treatment is in your interests – and regular 6-monthly check-ups will usually end up costing less – and hurting less!

I always enjoy a little natter with the dentist when I visit – so will I be charged for this now?

Not normally – in fact this short chat helps your dentist understand whether you’ve had any teeth problems, and at the same time he or she is already busy reviewing your dental records and getting the necessary implements ready. Sometimes, a lengthier, more formal consultation is necessary (e.g. to agree a longer-term treatment plan if, for example, you have suffered an injury to your mouth). These discussions may be chargeable but, if so, your dentist will explain this before you start.

website development: fresh look media