Recent times have brought a series of excited elation and crushing disappointment to UK Dentistry.

We have been incredibly fortunate over the past few years as huge advances in dentistry have meant more reliable and aesthetic treatments becoming the norm.
Digital scanning means we can record minute changes in our patient’s teeth, take impressions without mouthfuls of gunk, and transmit exact replicas of the mouth to our technical partners without the fear of damage in transit. Digital radiography means we can see an image instantly with even greater safety, acquire 3D scans for pin-point accurate assessments pre-treatment planning.

Advanced bonding techniques mean restorations are lasting longer and looking better than ever before. New materials have allowed viable alternatives to metal restorations and dentures to prove their worth. At the same time, the Government funding for Dentistry is unable to keep pace. NHS Dentistry is vital for so many people, and yet barely mentioned. Extraction of decayed baby teeth is the most common reason for General Anaesthetic in children. We are a ‘developed’ country. We can and should lobby our MPs and raise our concerns!

As a society, we must consider those who are most vulnerable to the ill effects of tooth decay as those who should be first in line for our limited NHS allowance. With capped limited NHS funding in Dentistry and an NHS list at capacity, it is time for most people to reconsider how they pay for dental treatment.

As a practice whose core principles are founded on the ethos that ‘prevention is better than cure’, we have reorganised our Denplan Essentials package so that the cost works out exactly the same over a year as fee-per-item check-ups and hygiene visits, and gives a 10% discount off any required treatment. This means that our patients don’t need to worry that they will not be able to afford dental check-ups, and allows us and them to work together to keep their oral health in optimum condition. Amazingly membership starts from as little as £6.92pcm.

Over the years we have consistently found that following the advised regular attendance pattern results in less treatment and healthier mouths. NHS guidelines are set so as to only fund 1 check-up every 2 years for patients who are low risk.

We believe low risk is not no risk.

We believe children and the vulnerable should be seen every 6 months as a minimum requirement.

We believe Denplan Essentials is a realistic solution to the lack of NHS provision.