National Health
Service (NHS) dental services are not free, but prices are limited
and regulated by central government to be "affordable"
(debatable) by everybody. Not all dentists provide NHS treatment,
and some only treat certain groups of people, for example children,
the unemployed, those receiving benefits or tax credits as well
as certain health conditions.
To be treated
by a National Health Service dentist you need to register with
them - many dentists already have a full patient list and finding
one can be a somewhat lengthy and drawn our process.
Actually finding
an NHS dentist isn't difficult; the Area Health Authority will
have details of all the NHS dentists practising in the area. They
can supply a list of dentists and their addresses, though they
will not be able to make any recommendations - that is a matter
of choice for the individual enquirer. Many dentists also now
advertise in Yellow Pages.
If you register
as an NHS patient you will be able to get advice on all kinds
of dental matters as well as regular dental check-ups and any
treatments that may be required. Not all dental procedures are
covered by the NHS scheme; for example, cosmetic work such as
teeth whitening, dental implants, adult braces or veneers are
not included and would need to be done as a private patient, with
significantly greater costs involved. As a general principle,
if it concerns the health of your teeth it will be included in
the NHS scheme, but if it is superficial, or concerned more with
the look of your teeth, and as such regarded as cosmetic, it will
not be included.
If you need
emergency treatment your dentist will make sure that you can get
this. You will have to pay for your treatment at a rate set by
the NHS, though certain specified groups are treated for free.
You can find
out more information about NHS Dental Services at their website
at:
http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/primary-care/dentistry.
.... and more at the Direct Government website at:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Chiefprofessionalofficers/Chiefdentalofficer/DH_4138821.
Most dentists
will offer private treatments, even if they are essentially NHS
practices. Invariably, private treatments are more expensive than
those offered at NHS rates, and charges can vary widely
Private dentists,
though more expensive, will offer a lot of dental treatments that
are not covered by NHS dental treatments. Finding a private dentist
is usually a simple matter, and recommendations by friends or
relatives should steer you in the right direction. Private dentists
can also be easily found on the internet or by using the local
business telephone directory.
Read more:
Dentist Prices - Private Dental Treatment Charges at http://www.whatprice.co.uk.
The map below
shows many available dental surgeries in and around Greater Manchester,
both NHS and Private. Click on a balloon for information and individual
dentists contact details.
NOTE
- NHS Only
If you only want to refer to an NHS Dentist or Dental Surgery,
be sure to check the top right checkbox "Only show clinics
that accept NHS Patients".
If you need
help with finding an NHS dentist in this area for dental treatment
in the North, Central or South Manchester area telephone: 0161-237
2596.
If you think
you need URGENT dental care outside of normal working hours, please
contact telephone: 0845 601 8529.
You are advised
to check that the practice is currently accepting new NHS patients;
to acertain whether or not it is accepting new children aged 0-18
years for NHS treatment, and whether it provides urgent dental
treatment in emergencies.
