Dentist & Doctors

[susanb]

I pay to go to the dentist so why don't I have to pay to see a doctor?

[salus.populi]

I don't pay to see a doctor so why do I have to pay to see a dentist?

[silver fox]

I pay to go to the dentist so why don't I have to pay to see a doctor?

With a dentist you can go purely as a private patient, all other charges involved with NHS patients are determined by government as patient contribution, in the same way as opticians.

For instance many are entitled to free eye tests, but from there on you will have to contribute to new glasses etc, yet some treatments are regarded as medically needed, yet others are only provided on a full payment basis.

[Alikado]

I don't pay to see a doctor so why do I have to pay to see a dentist?

You can pay to see the doctor, I'm sure there are plenty willing to take your pennies.

[salus.populi]

You can pay to see the doctor, I'm sure there are plenty willing to take your pennies.

Yes I know I can, but I don't have to. Don't get that choice with a dentist.

[Mr Saxon]

I just heard yesterday that thousands of doctor's surgeries have been ordered to open up and have face to face consultations with patients again after a record number of complaints about phone consultations.

[donkey22]

I just heard yesterday that thousands of doctor's surgeries have been ordered to open up and have face to face consultations with patients again after a record number of complaints about phone consultations.

Where did you hear that?

[Alikado]

Yes I know I can, but I don't have to. Don't get that choice with a dentist.

You do, no cost at the Dental Hospital.

[Alikado]

Where did you hear that?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/202...-face-to-face/

https://metro.co.uk/2021/09/06/nearl...ents-15214645/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ointments.html

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...s-phone-online

[donkey22]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/202...-face-to-face/

https://metro.co.uk/2021/09/06/nearl...ents-15214645/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ointments.html

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...s-phone-online

Thank you.

[Stuartli]

I pay to go to the dentist so why don't I have to pay to see a doctor?

A simple search reveals the reasons:

https://tinyurl.com/yzf3hvms

[Mr Saxon]

Where did you hear that?

Everyone beat me to it but it was on various news programmes yesterday.

[Starling]

Maybe it's because dentists actually provide the treatments required; whereas GPs merely weigh-up the patient's symptoms, and if necessary refer them to other medical practitioners for any 'hands on' work that's needed?

[Hamble]

Two reasons.
Before the nhs nearly all G.p's signed up to the Government proposed scheme.
A lot were unhappy at local pressure put on them and the threat of losing their livelihood.

Dentists on the other hand had just under a quarter sign up.

All treatment medical and dental was free at the point of delivery in 1948.
By 1951 the nhs was strapped for cash due to high demand.
The first dental charges were introduced followed by more in later years.

Quote
"Care of the Teeth

A dental service will be provided, but at present there are too few dentists to make a full service available to all without delay.

After 5th July you can go to any dentist taking part in the new arrangements (there will be a list at your Post Office). You need no application form. Just call, by appointment, on the dentist of your choice when you need him. At his surgery you and he will sign a form for your treatment under the new arrangements. All necessary fillings and dentures will be supplied without fee, but if you want anything specially expensive, and beyond what is necessary, you will pay the extra cost yourself.

Until a full dental service, without delays, can be made available, a special priority service for expectant and nursing mothers and young children is being organised by local authorities (in addition to the school dental service). Full information about this priority service can be obtained at Welfare Centre"

https://www.sochealth.co.uk/national...-the-nhs-1948/

[said]

The situation seems to have gone back in time - I was even considering making an appointment with my Barber for surgery.

I have always had Private Dental Care. I thought I was getting better care and attention - until the last couple of years. Due to the restrictions, waiting times to see an NHS dentist increased substantially, many people complaining that they could not get an appointment for a year or longer. When I went to make an appointment at my Private dentist, I noticed the charges had increased quite a bit. I also noticed that there were fewer people waiting to be seen. I was given an appointment - but it was cancelled by the practice as the dentist would not be available that day.

I cancelled any further appointment and made arrangements to go to a NHS dentist. I was unable to get an appointment, even for emergency treatment. So I got in touch with an on-line emergency dentist near Manchester who promised treatment on the same day of the appointment. Great place, I arrived early and they took me straight in. Unfortunately, the practice did not carry out surgical dentistry. I was given antibiotics and pain killers, and the Asian dentist, a great guy - promised that he would refer me to a suitable dentist within the next week. As good as his word, I had an appointment arranged at Lytham. Great people, great receptionists, and very efficient Asian dentist who by the way, informed me that I did not need all the additional work that the private dentist had told me needed doing at a very high cost, I might add. Five minutes - pain free job done with a good chat too!