Haven't You Heard? There Is No Shortage Of NHS Dentists In Somerset, England

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 10 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PST

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For most of us a visit to the dentist is never going to be something we look forward to, but failing to get an annual dental check could cost you a lot more than the price of a filling.

Conditions like gum disease can lead to strokes and heart disease. If you already have a heart condition gum disease can make it even worse and few of us realise that that our dentist is trained to spot the early signs of mouth cancer and that can be a killer.

Despite national newspaper stories suggesting there are few NHS dentists available in England* here are in Somerset and we have at least 22 dental practices currently accepting new NHS patients and over 200 dental appointments set aside each week to help anyone in dental pain who cannot find NHS dental treatment.

Richard Wood, Dental Services Commissioning Manager with NHS Somerset, says: "Anyone who wants an NHS dentist should be able to get one in Somerset. We invest over £22 million each year in local dental services and this is rising as we work to ensure people living in the furthest parts of the county get easier access to dental care where they live.

"We have NHS dentists ready and waiting to treat you, so my advice is look after your teeth and if they are giving your pain or if you are having trouble finding an NHS dentist call the Somerset NHS Dental Helpline today."

Note

*Ref: The Mail - One in three can't find an NHS dentist - and half can't afford one - 1-4-09 Despite Government promises to improve access, research reveals that 35 per cent of adults are struggling to get the dental care they need - up from 23 per cent the year before. Full story - click here

NHS Dental charges are now set at three flat rates. They are:

- Band 1 course of treatment - £16.20
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.

- Band 2 course of treatment - £44.60
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

- Band 3 course of treatment - £198.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges. Urgent treatment - £16.20

Urgent treatment - If you require urgent care, but your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one charge of £16.20.

Details from the Department of Health's web site.

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