dental check up`s

[beryl]

when i have my six monthly dental check, my dentist never scale and cleans my teeth but charges me £16-20 and then says you must see the hygienist at a further charge of £29-50,
I feel i am being ripped off, AM I.?

[HiHo]

ripped off is a bit strong , but hard done by yes.

Every dentist I've ever seen has offered to do a quick scale and polish after the routine check-up. It takes 5 minutes max, combined with 5 minutes of looking round and prodding before hand.

I believe a hygienist does a much more thorough job cleaning plaque away from below the gum line and not just any visible tartar build up.

I would definitely expect my dentist to scale and polish (front incisors and canines) as part of the check up.

Any one else not getting this as a routine procedure?

[kj]

ooh nhs check up actually includes the price of an nhs scale and polish, however if you see the hygienist instead of the dentist for the scale and polish it may be private- BUT i can assure you that the nhs band 1- £16.20, includes examination and scale & polish.

[HiHo]

thank you