When you require dentists’ services, there are often two routes that can be accessed – either through the National Health Service (NHS) or privately. At Ascent Dental Care, we offer private dental services; however, many patients can find it difficult to distinguish and become confused about the differences between the two. In our latest posting, we take a closer look at this.
Private Dentistry
One of the most significant differences between the NHS and private treatment is that only the latter deals with cosmetic treatments, so you are unlikely to get anything like this on the NHS. Cosmetic concerns what you can do to make your teeth and smile look better. Many private establishments (including ours) are experts and leading practitioners in the cosmetic field.
- Private dentists can set their own working hours. This is often important for people who work late or in the case of emergency appointments, for example. Often private dentists can offer appointments into the evening and at weekends also.
- Funding restrictions or similar limitations do not bind private establishments. This means that the quality of treatment is more likely to be focused on as cost isn’t an issue in the same way as it may be elsewhere.
- You will find that treatment times are generally longer with private dentists, and they are more likely to have experienced technicians that deal with some specific regions of dentistry. You are unlikely to have to wait a long time to see a private dentist also.
- If a dental treatment exists, you will likely find it at a private clinic rather than anywhere else.
NHS Dentistry
It is important to note that the same level of care and work standards apply across the entire dentistry field – whether NHS or private. Everyone needs confidence in a dentist – wherever it is. The differences are often down to restrictions.
- Treatment on the NHS tends to be purposive and for a function rather than aesthetic. So, teeth whitening and similar cosmetic procedures, which enhance a smile, are unlikely to be offered on the NHS, for example.
- Budgets are more strictly imposed at NHS clinics as, ultimately, there is a need for services to be effective and efficient for the taxpayer.
- As with all NHS services, sometimes there can be a supply and demand problem meaning patients are not seen as frequently or for as long as would otherwise be the case. In addition, some clinics can be oversubscribed, meaning it may be more challenging to get yourself registered.
- Available appointments can be somewhat restrictive (usually office hours.) Some clinics can offer treatments outside these times or on weekends, but there is usually a duty service at these times rather than your own specific dentist or practice.
We here at Ascent Dental Care pride ourselves on high standards of care, pioneering and contemporary treatment, and flexible times to suit modern lifestyles. We hope you will agree that we are all that you are looking for from a private dentist!
