What you need to know about changes to NHS dentistry in England

From the 1st April 2006 the delivery of NHS Dental Services has changed.

Every NHS practice has been granted an annual allocation of funding to provide “units of dental activity” and once these units have been used up, the practice would only be able to provide further NHS dental treatment if further funding can be obtained from the Hounslow PCT.

Under the new system, the practice is only responsible for patients whilst undergoing a course of treatment. We therefore recommend that our patients attend on a regular basis as advised by their dentist.

The provision of NHS emergency dental care outside our normal working hours is now the responsibility of the Hounslow PCT. During normal working hours urgent treatment is only for oral health that is likely to deteriorate significantly or the person is in severe pain. We are only required to provide treatment to the extent that it is necessary to prevent that significant deterioration or address that severe pain.

A new, simpler charging system is being used. There will be three standard charges for all NHS dental treatment. The amount you pay will depend on the treatment you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has introduced guidelines on how often patients need to go to the dentist. Your dentist will recommend a date for your next routine check up based on your individual oral health needs. If you wish to see your dentist more frequently, then this may have to be provided on a private basis.

The practice will endeavour to continue to provide a NHS dental service, but we do ask for your patience and understanding during the implementation and continuation of the new system. 

NHS Charges from 1 April 2007

New charges introduced from 1st April 2007.
You will pay one of the following charges below, unless exempt from NHS charges:

Band 1:- £15.90
This charge will include an examination, diagnosis and preventive care. If necessary, this will include X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.
OR
Band 2:- £43.60
This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the£15.50 charge PLUS additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.
OR
Band 3:- £194.00
This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the£15.50 and £42.40 charges PLUS more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures or bridges.
AND
Urgent Care:- £15.90

From 1 April 2006, your dentist will NOT:

● charge you for missed NHS appointments – but if you continue to miss appointments we may decide not to offer you further treatment. We have introduced a point system for missed appointments which is based on 1 point for every 15 min time unit. If you have more than 3 points you will no longer be offered NHS care at this practice.

Please note:

● Late cancellations will also be subject to a point system and once more than 3 points have been reached, no further NHS treatment will be offered.

You should:

● ask about your oral health and how often you NEED to go to the dentist
● follow your dentist’s advice to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
● attend the practice at least once in every 24 months to maintain registration with practice.

What should I do in an event of a dental emergency?

During Normal Working Hours:

Please call the practice on 020 8994 6202 as early as possible in the morning so we can arrange an appropriate appointment as soon as possible. We allocate these on a first come first serve basis.

Outside Normal Working Hours:

Please call the practice on 020 8994 6202 for information regarding various options available. Alternatively contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The Hounslow PCT will be providing arrangements for NHS Out Of Hours emergency dental care.

Remember that urgent treatment is prompt care and treatment in circumstances where oral health will deteriorate significantly, or there is severe pain and treatment is provided only to the extent necessary to address those.