Frequently Asked Questions

Our waiting times for routine check ups are up to 1 month for existing NHS patients.  Same or next day appointments are available for emergencies. If you are registered with Denplan or seen privately we aim to see you within two weeks or routine appointments.

NHS dentistry must provide treatment of a reasonable standard to secure and maintain oral health. Fees are set by the Department of Health and will be the same with every NHS dentist. The NHS does not provide any cosmetic treatments including white fillings, bleaching and certain types of crowns. Check ups and gum treatments are bound by certain criteria.

Private dentistry at Kingswalk Dental Practice provides all treatment options which are currently available. You can expect the best standard of care possible. Your dentist will have carried out post graduate education and will be qualified over and above the minimum standard which is required by the General Dental Council. This additional experience reflects our superior level of commitment to high clinical standards. Early morning and evening appointments are available for your convenience. Items requiring laboratory work will be carried out by the most experienced technicians using the best quality materials. Your treatment will be prioritised and completed as soon as possible, reducing the time you have to wear temporary crowns or fillings. All work is guaranteed within reason for 2 years on a like for like basis.

Exemption

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if, on the first day of treatment, they are –

• Under 18 years of age
• Aged 18 and in full time education
• An expectant mother
• Currently in prison or a young offenders institution
• A woman who has either had a baby, or a still birth in the previous 12 months

Remission

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if on either the first day of treatment or on the day the charge is made, they or their partner, are currently receiving-

• Income support
• Income based jobseekers allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit

Or are

• Named on a valid NHS low income scheme certificate HC2 for full help
• The dental charge may be reduced for patients named on a valid HC3 certificate

After a check up your dentist will explain any problems you have and give you treatment options. Reception will prepare a written estimate of cost. All NHS fees are set by the Department of Health and fall into one of three bands: £26.80, £73.50 and £319.10. All independent fees are set in accordance with GDC guidelines and hourly rates are a reflection of practice fixed and variable costs.

Dentistry has come along way in the last fifty years.  Modern dentistry should be pain free and carried out in a relaxed and friendly environment. We use all the latest local anaesthetic techniques and solutions to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible. We spend time with all our patients, particularly children, using the ‘show, tell, do’ technique to desensitise patients who are anxious about needles.

Your jaws may only have room to accommodate 28 teeth. So when the last of your 32 teeth – the wisdom teeth – try to erupt, there’s no room.

We follow the NICE guidelines which recommends wisdom teeth are only removed if they have caused recurrent episodes of pain, are associated with pathology or are putting the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth at risk from decay.