If you’ve been placed on a long waiting list for NHS-provided dental care or you’re struggling to get a place at a practice altogether, you’re not alone.

According to recent figures, 13 million, more than 1 in 4 adults in the UK, have been unable to access NHS dental services post-pandemic, due to limited appointment availability, practices not taking on new patients, or being placed on the dreaded long waiting list.

So, the recent uptick in patients switching to private dental care comes as no surprise.

If you’re one of the 60% of adults considering paying for private dental care, you may be wondering what you need to consider when choosing a dentist to work with.

Don’t worry – discover everything you need to know in this post!

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What’s the difference between NHS and private dentistry?

When it comes to NHS and private dentistry, there are many notable differences, the main one being cost.

NHS dental charges are fixed in price bands and are free for some groups or subsidised for others. Private dental care, on the other hand, is usually more expensive and can vary depending on several factors like the treatment being performed and the location of the practice.

Other differences include:

  • Range of services – NHS dentistry focuses on essential treatments, like examinations, preventative care, and basic fillings, whilst private dentists offer a much wider range of treatments, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers.
  • Quality of care – Whilst NHS dentists can offer high-quality, essential dental care services, private dentists offer a more expansive range of treatments, personalised care, and longer appointments, as well as more advanced techniques and technology.

So, how do I choose the best private dentist?

There are several things to consider when choosing a private dentist, including:

Patient reviews

Patient reviews are an invaluable resource when finding the best private dentist in your area.

Whether you need a private dentist in Bradford or a private dentist in London, online reviews will tell you all you need to know when it comes to competence, cost, and communication.

Platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews will be your best friend throughout your search for a private dentist, so ensure to make good use of everything you have available.

Don’t go for the cheapest

Although it may be tempting to choose a dentist offering the most affordable prices, this is possibly the worst thing you can do.

Often, cheap prices translate to poor quality service and when it comes to your oral health, you should never settle for less.

Most private dentists will offer similar prices for their treatments, so if you come across a practice or individual whose prices are significantly cheaper than others, this is your sign to steer clear.

Available treatments

Are you looking for a general dentist, or someone who specialises in a specific area, like restorative dentistry or orthodontics?

Whatever your answer to this question, you’ll need to find a practice that can cater to your needs and offers all the services you’re interested in. 

Nowadays though, many private dental clinics offer a fully comprehensive range of treatments all under one roof, so you can get continual care from someone you’ll grow to know and trust.

Qualifications, training, and experience

When doing your research on different dental practitioners, make sure to check that they’re registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Any reputable practice will display their team’s registration numbers on their website, or provide them upon request to reassure you of their competence from the get-go.

If you’re interested in specific treatments, like dental implants, teeth whitening, or veneers, for example, you should also look for a dentist with specialised training. Look for postgraduate qualifications and check they’re a member of any dental organisations, like The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or The British Association of Private Dentistry.

Communication

The way a dentist communicates with their patients tells you all you need to know, and will help you distinguish the good from the not-so-good.

Of course, everyone has different preferences, but generally, you should keep an eye out for dentists who offer an in-depth consultation – listening to your goals and concerns, discussing your treatment options at length, and setting realistic expectations for your treatment.

You’re not obligated to book in for a treatment after a consultation, so arrange appointments with a few different dentists to get a feel for who best ticks all your boxes.

Looking for a private dentist near you?

There’s no denying the benefits of private dental care compared to NHS-led treatments, but choosing a private dentist isn’t a decision you should take lightly.

For expert advice, be sure to get in touch with a reputable private dentist in your area today!