In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the UK from people using NHS dental services to opting for private dental care instead. With growing dissatisfaction with NHS dentistry and the emergence of new high-tech private clinics, it’s no wonder more Brits are choosing to pay for private dental treatment.
Shorter Waiting Times
One of the main frustrations with NHS dentistry is the often very long waiting times to get an appointment. Many NHS dental practices have closed their books to new patients entirely. This means unless you are already registered, you may struggle to find an NHS dentist accepting patients at all in your local area.
A private dental clinic will not have these same restrictions. Most can offer appointments within a few days or weeks at the latest. When you are in dental pain or need urgent treatment, waiting months on an NHS waiting list is far from ideal. The ability to be seen almost immediately is a huge draw towards private care.
More Choices of Dentists
Unlike with NHS dental care where choice is severely limited, going private opens up many options in terms of which dentist you see. You can research different private dentists in your area and read reviews to find one you like the sound of. This flexibility is very appealing to dental patients.
Longer Appointment Times
NHS dentist appointments are often very rushed, with patients feeling the dentist is trying to get them in and out as fast as possible. This leaves little time to discuss dental concerns or alternative treatment options.
Private appointments tend to be at least twice as long. Patients feel the dentist takes more care and time to assess their teeth thoroughly. For nervous patients or those with extensive treatment needs, the longer and more relaxing private appointments can make dental visits less stressful.
High Tech Facilities
Many new private dental clinics opening up are ultra-modern, with cutting-edge technologies and facilities you rarely find at NHS surgeries. These can include digital X-rays for faster and more accurate diagnosis, intraoral cameras to clearly show dental issues and late-night or weekend opening hours for patient convenience.
Some pioneering private practices offer ‘five-star’ facilities more akin to a luxury spa than a dental surgery. You can expect complimentary refreshments, warm-scented towels, HD TVs, and even massage chairs for a more relaxing and pleasant patient experience.
A Wider Range of Treatments
Some dental treatments are not available under NHS care. For options like dental implants, lingual braces, and cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, going private opens up access to a broader range of dentistry. When it comes to complex cases like full mouth restorations, private dentists also have more time and use of advanced techniques and materials.
No UDA Targets
Dentists working under the NHS have to hit UDA (unit of dental activity) targets each year, which leads to allegations of ‘drill and fill’ unnecessary procedures. As private dentists do not work under these UDA restrictions, patients may feel they receive more honest advice about which treatments are really beneficial for their oral health. This freedom makes the private route increasingly attractive.
While cost will always be the main barrier to going private, private dental clinics offer many advantages for those who can afford it. With rising dissatisfaction with NHS options and easy access to reviews of private alternatives, it’s of little surprise that for those serious about their dental health, more and more people are choosing the private route.
