Email received from a concerned patient
“I have recently signed up for NHS work, I need two white fillings – which I know are not covered by the NHS charges – but one side tooth has cracked, it already had a root canal filling from years ago, and is not suitable for filling. I have been told I need a crown – but it will cost me £400+.”
“My dental practice has some leaflets that suggest some crown work IS covered by the NHS, since this work is not cosmetic but necessary, can you advise me of the situation and whether this crown can be covered NHS work. the Tooth is on the right hand side, four teeth in from the front tooth, so it shows when I smile.”
I would suggest you go back to the dental clinic and specifically ask about their NHS versus their private practice work and the different charges. Don’t leave until you are clear about what they are offering. Take a notepad and make sure the clinic see that you are writing down what they say. If you signed up as an NHS patient and they saw you on that basis then they should offer NHS treatment. If a crown is required then …… that’s what you should get. The clinic should not use their NHS patients just to get private work.
White fillings are allowed on the NHS but only for front teeth.