NHS DENTAL PRICES

[GAPPY]

I am with the NHS and needed a denture to replace 4 front lower teeth.
I was told that the denture provided was a temporary one and that I would get a second one which would fit better after my gums healed.
In the meantime my dentist changed practice, on following him I was now told that only one denture is provided ( for the £194) and that I must pay another £194 PLUS technician fees of around £100 to get the better fitting denture.
Is this correct ?

[Webmaster]

i haven't heard of technician fees for an NHS dentist, it could be that that part of the treatment is being treated privately.

If you had a temporary denture fitted then that should cost you £194, if you need it replaced after more than 2 months then I'm afraid you will have to pay another £194

[riptoff]

The NHS fee includes the technician's charge. If the dentist is charging extra for the technician, that is against the rules. Ask your PCT for advice on this.

[kj]

interesting, you need to clarify if the treatment is going to be provoded on the nhs or if its private.

[riptoff]

No; you have either misunderstood the dentist or he has misinformed you. The NHS fee includes the technician's charge. Contact your Primary Care Trust for confirmation.

[Forces Dependent]

Hi there.
We recently moved to a different part of the country and so had to leave my NHS dentist and find a new one here.  Luckily we found one taking on new patients and so went in to register.  On registering I was told that I had to pay the £16.20 up front in order to go on their books.  I didn't need a checkup as not long had one with old dentist so was a bit uphappy at having to pay this amount now.  They will hold the fee until I have my first check up with them, but still won't be really registered until that happens.  I have never experienced this before in what must be a dozen NHS dentists throughout the country.  Are they legally able to take money for an NHS treatment before it happens?  Answers gratefully received.

[asterix]

Re; deposits for registering NHS:
this is a slightly grey area at the moment; at our practice we take deposits from new patients who wish to register nhs:  this is because upto half new patients do not bother to turn up, but if they are booked in for 20min initial consultation and the time is wasted, we are losing money (a surgery costs money to be open!!)

if the patient is not registered nhs and does not turn up, then the deposit is charged as a private fee for FTA (failure to attend) so we don't lose too much money (we still lose though!) but the main reason is to get patients to attend!!

the deposit is taken off the nhs charges if the patient does turn up.
often we let people off the charge if the phone up with a good excuse or sound really sorry (our receptionists are quite soft!)

in summary; turn up for your appointment on time and there will be no problem - you will not lose your money! if you cannot make your appointment give as much notice as you can and say sorry!!