Can Private Dentistry Be Affordable?
When ‘going private’ is mentioned in any conversation, its generally accompanied by an expectation that things are going to get expensive.
But it doesn’t have to be that way if you’re looking to go private with your dental care.
Whilst we won’t be coy and pretend that private dental care won’t cost more than on the NHS, there are ways to ensure you are getting your money’s worth when going private.
How To Make Private Dental Care Affordable
Look at their finance plans
Private dental practices have variable finance options and many of these are 0% for treatments over a certain price.
Even if you’re just seeking a check-up and you don’t think you need restorative treatment currently, it’s still worth factoring in what your finance options might be for possible future treatment. Not all private dental practices offer 0% finance, so don’t take this as gospel.
We also recommend looking at a practice’s dental plans. Spreading the cost of your routine dentist and hygienist check-ups can be really helpful, especially during the cost of living crisis, and with the energy price hike looming this winter.
Check for private dentists outside of your home town
Location has a big impact on the cost of private dental care.
At the time of writing (September 2024), Bristol is the most expensive place for private dental care; the fees sit 25% above the national average. Meanwhile, Belfast is the cheapest, 28% below the national average.
If you live in an expensive private dental care hotspot, take a look at dental practices on the peripheries of your city or town. You may find that it’s worth the additional travel costs.
Check the initial consultation fees (some are heftier than others)
The initial consultation fee at a private dentist is usually more expensive than the cost of your ongoing appointments. If you don’t do your research, you’ll find you might get stung with the cost of this.
An initial consultation fee is generally more expensive as your new dentist will wish to spend more time with you to establish your medical and oral hygiene profile, as well as take X-rays and photographs.
Cheapest places for an initial private dental consultation in the UK:
Glasgow - £59
Newport - £64
Manchester - £65
Newcastle - £68
London - £70
Consider the consequences of not having a dentist
According to YouGov, 20% of Britons are not registered with a dentist, and this is quite concerning.
Even just one or two missed check-ups can allow decay, cavities and the onset of gum disease to go unnoticed, and these are all issues that lead to tooth loss.
Another essential check that your dentist performs during routine appointments is for oral cancer. This is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and in many cases, the symptoms can go unnoticed without the regular intervention of a dentist at routine appointments.
When it comes to dental care, it’s important to see the bigger picture for your oral health – remember that dental care is mostly about prevention, as your teeth can’t repair or grow back.
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