This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Change your Dentist !

Posted By Future Patient

"Change your Dentist !"

About: Kirklees PCT

(as the patient),

With no previous warnings during routine check-ups or trouble with my teeth , I was recently told by my dentist that I would need 3 crowns at a cost of £600.

I changed dentists and they found no such treatment to be necessary.

This also happened to me in the 1980's with two other dental practices in the Kirklees area.

I would advise all patients who suspect that they are being used as a "money pit" by their dentist to consider changing practices especially if the dentist appears to have overinvested in surgery decor etc.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from PALS IN BOX, Patient Advice & Liaison Service, NHS Kirklees 13 years ago
PALS IN BOX
Patient Advice & Liaison Service,
NHS Kirklees

Submitted on 16/06/2010 at 10:37
Published on Care Opinion at 01:00

From the information supplied it suggests that private crown treatment is being recommended, which also suggests this is for cosmetic reasons. Crowns are available in a band 3 course of NHS treatment (currently £198 for a course of treatment) if they are considered to be clinically necessary. The dentist has an obligation to provide a treatment plan to the patient explaining what is necessary and what is private and NHS. All dental practitioners providing NHS and Private dental care must be registered with the General Dental Council to enable them to practice. They have to undergo considerable training to enable them to develop their skills and some practitioners may recommend treatments, which other practitioners do not feel is clinically necessary at that time.

All patients are encouraged to discuss their recommended courses of treatment directly with the dentist in the first instance, to enable a full explanation of requirements from the practitioner’s clinical judgment. If a dental practitioner is offering private treatment only and you are an NHS patient he/she needs to explain why this is not available within the NHS treatment charges.

If a patient continues to be unhappy with the explanation they can contact the PALS department within NHS Kirklees on 01484 464464 for further information

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k