NHS AND PRIVATE DENTAL HEALTH CARE:

KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS What NHS dental treatment are you entitled to? How much will it cost? How do you find a dentist near you? Are you entitled to free treatment? What happens when things don’t go to plan?

BRUSHING UP ON YOUR RIGHTS While dental treatment in the UK is among the best in the world, going to the dentist can be daunting. And for more reasons than just having treatment. The good news is that you have specific rights and can expect certain levels of service from your dentist. If you have an NHS dentist you are entitled to all the treatment that you need to get your mouth, teeth and gums as healthy and pain free as possible. You should also receive advice on things like proper brushing and flossing, so you can play your part in keeping your mouth healthy. If your NHS dentist says you need a particular type of treatment, you should not be required to pay for it privately. Private options may be discussed, such as cosmetic alternatives or specialist treatments like dental implants, it’s your choice whether you take them.

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An appointment with your dentist How much will you pay? Dental treatment is one of When your dentist says you need the few NHS services that most treatment, here’s what you can expect people have to pay for, but to happen: charges are fixed: You should be given a written treatment plan which includes the Band 1 course of treatment cost of treatment. In Scotland In England : £17.50 This covers an examination, dentists aren’t required to provide diagnosis (including X-rays), advice written treatment plans, but you can on how to prevent future problems, still ask for one. a scale and polish if needed, and Even if your treatment involves a application of fluoride varnish or number of visits, you will only pay fissure sealant. one charge for each complete Band 2 course of treatment course of NHS treatment, unless In England : £48 you’ve had to make an emergency This covers everything listed in Band visit to the dentist first. 1 above, plus any further treatment such In Scotland emergency treatment as fillings, root canal work or removal of  is included in the one charge. teeth. If your NHS treatment fails Band 3 course of treatment within 12 months, your dentist In England: £209 should repair or redo most This covers everything listed in Bands treatment free of charge 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and (unless you were advised the bridges. treatment was unlikely to be Scotland long-term). In Scotland these charge bands don’t apply. Instead NHS patients pay 80 per cent of their treatment, up to a maximum of £384. You can find examples of costs on the NHS Inform website, www.nhsinform.co.uk Each dental practice is responsible for providing clear, easily available information on their treatment costs. ●





Who is entitled to free dental care? Not everyone has to pay for dental treatment. You can find out who may qualify for help with dental charges at the websites listed on the back page. What are your rights if you go to a private dentist? If you have private dental treatment, ask what guarantees your dentist provides. In addition to any rights you may have under their guarantee, you also have rights under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

FIND OUT MORE

You can find out more information about your rights and entitlements as an NHS dental patient at the following websites, including how to make a complaint about a dentist or treatment. You can also search for a dentist near you that’s accepting NHS patients by typing in your postcode.

www.nhs.uk

Call 0800 389 3158 to request a different format of this publication. Published by the Office of Fair Trading Product code XXXX Edition XX/XX © Crown copyright 2012 www.oft.gov.uk

NHS AND PRIVATE DENTAL HEALTH CARE:

KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS What NHS dental treatment are you entitled to? How much will it cost? How do you find a dentist near you? Are you entitled to free treatment? What happens when things don’t go to plan?

FIND OUT MORE You can find out more information about your rights and entitlements as an NHS dental patient at the following websites, including how to make a complaint about a dentist or treatment. You can also search for a dentist near you that’s accepting NHS patients by typing in your postcode.

www.nhs.uk

Call 0800 389 3158 to request a different format of this publication. Published by the Office of Fair Trading Product code XXXX Edition XX/XX © Crown copyright 2012 www.oft.gov.uk