nhs dental treatment costs

[sawman]

my wife went to the dentist today as an NHS patient (she thinks) and was told she may need a crown. She was advised that this would cost £390. Earlier in the year I had a crown at the nhs rate of £198, although I see the Current NHS rate is £204.

What would account for the differential?

[Superficial]

Why don't you just question the dentist directly? We can't tell you what he may have added on as extra work to be completed at the same time, or whether it's being put through at his private rate.

[wendyg]

The dentist cannot charge £390 for a crown on the NHS, therefore it must be a private treatment. NHS band 3 treatments are, as you say, £204.

Did you receive a written estimate for a treatment plan yet, or are you just at the 'discussion' stage. The dentist needs to make very clear the basis on which various options are being offered. Did she sign an NHS declaration form at her visit today?

[sawman]

Thanks chaps, I think I have the measure of it now. The NHS cost is 204, but the crown for a back tooth by default is steel.The NHS only provides tooth coloured ones for pre molars and forwards. If you want a tooth coloured crown, you have to take the private option which seems to be the quoted cost

[MacGee]

not officially true.....

[sawman]

MacGee said:

not officially true.....

ooh! how so?

[MacGee]

cos porcelain crowns are available on molars in NHS!!!

[jmorgan]

Told I need a bling one, seeing the tooth vet next week, thought I was quoted 170 but may be wrong.

[bull996]

Getthe steel one and then tip ex over the top.