Dental costs - a new deal for NHS dentists

On 1 April, the Government introduced a new schedule of fees that it will pay to the diminishing number of dentists who are prepared to treat their patients under the NHS. The Government claims that the 'new deal' is simpler and better for patients, as it encourages dentists to spend time on preventative work rather than 'drill and fill'.

It may be better for patients, but only if dentists are prepared to accept the new charges. Early indications are that they will not and that dentists taking NHS patients will continue to be as rare as, well, hens' teeth.

How much does all of this matter to most of us? Probably not as much as we imagine. Even if any of us is able to find an NHS dentist, with the exception of children, expectant mothers and a few others, the Government will only pay 20% of the dentist's bill. 80% of it is down to us, although the NHS does put limits on the total amount of the bill that a dentist can issue to an NHS patient. The fact is that the Government long since gave up any intent to bring dentistry within the 'free at the point of delivery' promise that it attempts to provide in regard to medical care.

So, most of us are pretty much on our own when it comes to preserving our teeth. Dental insurance can help, but the products need to be looked at carefully. For the most comprehensive cover, it is necessary to get a dentist to inspect your teeth thoroughly and report on the treatment that you may need to the prospective insurer. Premiums will vary considerably, and not all dentists are prepared to go through this process.

The type of product that most individuals and just about all corporate customers opt for is one that defines in advance what has to be paid and what will be received. There are many such products on the market and they mostly define an amount that is payable for each of the various categories of dental procedure, both preventative and curative. The more you pay the more you get, of course, but they all have limits and most require some level of co-payment from the patient.

If you need help in understanding it all, please give us a call.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS ADVICE IN ANY SPECIFIC SITUATION

For further information, please telephone your usual contact at Buck Consultants (Healthcare):

Tel: +44 (0)118 955 7700
Fax: +44 (0)118 955 7701
Email: healthcare@buckconsultants.com
Web: www.buckconsultants.co.uk
Abbot's House, Abbey Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BD, UK

Buck Consultants (Healthcare) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority