When you move home, it is important to find a new dental practice so you can continue with your regular dental checkups. Here are a few top tips to help you find a dental practice that is right for you.
1. Decide Between NHS and Private
Many dental practices in the UK accept both NHS and private patients. However, it can be difficult to find a practice that has space available for new NHS patients — you might need to join a waiting list. This tool on the NHS website can help you to find an NHS dentist that is accepting new patients near you.
2. Compare Prices Between Private Dentists
NHS dental prices are capped, which means there is a limit to how much you will have to pay, even if you need extensive treatment. NHS dentists charge standard prices for basic treatments such as fillings and professional teeth cleaning sessions.
In comparison, private dental work can be quite expensive if you require complicated procedures. However, when it comes to basic checkups, private dentists often charge not much more than the standard NHS fee.
If you cannot find a suitable NHS dentist, check the websites of local private providers to find out how much they charge for checkups, as there could be a lot of variation between practices. Also, check if any of the private dentists near you offer dental insurance, as this can work out cheaper than paying for treatments directly.
3. Read Reviews
It is always a good idea to read reviews of a dental practice before you register as a patient there. You can find reviews on Yelp, Google Maps, and local listing sites. Look for practices that have good ratings and which take the time to respond to negative reviews, offering a solution. In addition, do not underestimate the importance of word of mouth recommendations. Ask your coworkers and any new friends you make in the area if they can recommend a good dental practice.
4. Visit the CQC Website
If you have any concerns about the quality of care offered by a particular dental practice, you can put your mind at rest by visiting the CQC website. Here you can find recent reports on dental practices in your area. These reports should flag up any areas of concern about the dental services that a practice offers or reassure you that the service provided is excellent.
Reach out to a local dental practice to learn more.