In the United Kingdom, there are two types of dentists available to patients: NHS dentists and private dentists. While both provide dental care, there are some key differences between the two. NHS dentistry is designed to be functional, while private dentistry is often functional and cosmetic.
NHS
dental treatment does not cover any cosmetic treatment that is only to improve your appearance, such as teeth whitening, and that is not clinically necessary.On the other hand, private care is usually more expensive than NHS care, but you can access a wider range of services. Another difference between NHS and private dentists is their availability. NHS professionals are generally only available during conventional working hours, which can be a problem for people in big cities, such as London, who often work or commute during those hours. However, private clinics can create their own schedules and accept private appointments at flexible hours.
People who prefer to receive private treatment in London due to heavy traffic and long working hours can see their dentists in the evenings or even on Saturdays. As a private patient, you can choose the private dentist you would like to visit and see the same dentist every time. The United Kingdom has a relatively low number of dentists per capita compared to other countries, yet it still ranks sixth overall in terms of dental care quality. This speaks to the quality of care provided by both NHS and private dentists in the UK. When deciding between an NHS dentist and a private dentist in the UK, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Each treatment plan is individual and it's best to talk to your dentist about the private and NHS options available.
