Waldo Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Just called to make an appointment with my dentist; and they've dropped me off their system (apparently because it's over 6 years since my pervious visit). Are they allowed to do that? Seems a little convenient for them, as they're not taking any new NHS patients. If they get rid of existing NHS patients on their system, and only take on new private patients, they eventually increate the % of private patients, which presumably they make more money from? Anyhow, how does it work now; what are the fees like going through the NHS vs private? Also, I'm self-employed, so would I be eligible for NHS dental treatment in any case? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRAHAM F Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Yes waldo im afraid they can drop you off the list, there is a certain length off time you have to go for a check up or they can drop you (not sure what the time limit is for this) My argument is that if someone does,nt go to the doctors for 6 years would they be struck off ? no they would,nt is the answer. You will have to look around for another dentist that will take nhs patients im afraid or go private. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heavenlyarts Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Unfortnuately they can. I was registered with Broadfield Dental practice, listed an appointment due to my wife's death and when I ring I'm no longer on their list. You'll have to ring round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 Thank you Graham, I think it may be 6 years. Am I being unreasonable in my appraisal that it's (for them) about getting rid of NHS patients, and replacing them with more lucrative private ones; this, dropping you from their system, is something that's motivated by greed? I just did a search for a NHS dentist here: http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/dentists/Pages/find-an-NHS-dentist.aspx My old dentist shows up on that list. Seems strange, given that they're not taking any new NHS patients! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tzijlstra Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 They can drop you off because you are effectively taking the spot of someone else that does want to come regularly. Don't see an issue with it really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 They can drop you off because you are effectively taking the spot of someone else that does want to come regularly. Don't see an issue with it really. Okay, but I don't see how it is taking a 'spot'? Surely, all you're taking up, is presumably a single record in a database on a computer somewhere? If you're not making any appointments, I don't see how you're occupying the time of the dentist, such that you prevent his other patients from being seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRAHAM F Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 I believe most dentists are self employed and do a mix of NHS patients and private ones, regular appointments means regular income, i dont think you are being unreasonable its just the way things are nowadays im afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agent Orange Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Get a family member or friend to recommend you, you should be able to get a NHS dentist that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 Thank you Graham and AO. Just phoned one, and they have a waiting list for NHS, but only if you're recommended by a friend or family member. I did ask why they do that, they said it was something to do with funding, didn't make all that much sense to be honest! Is that a common thing? Why do they do that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookleft Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 If it is just a checkup then going private will not cost you much more than having a checkup on the NHS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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