In the UK, patients have two main pathways for dental treatment: the National Health Service (NHS) and private dental care. While both options provide essential dental services, there are significant differences in accessibility, cost, treatment options, and patient experience. At Eilertsen Dental Care, we believe informed patients make better healthcare decisions, so we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the key differences between NHS and private dental care.
How do NHS dentists work?
The NHS aims to provides subsidised dental care to ensure basic dental health needs are accessible to all UK residents. Historically the funding for this has always required a level of cost to the patient, unlike medical services. Dentists are still working as self employed clinicians under the NHS contract. Practice owners must juggle the costs of the provision of the service, materials, overheads, staff, licenses and many other aspects of care. However, many patients are unclear about exactly how the NHS dental system will work for them.
NHS dental funding and treatment bands
NHS dental costs work on a banded payment system with standardised fees. Current NHS treatment bands include:
- Band 1 (£27.40) – Covers examinations, diagnosis, preventative care, moulds, simple management, X-rays and certain types of scaling if available.
- Band 2 (£75.30) – Includes everything in Band 1 plus treatments like fillings, root canal work, extractions and extensive gum disease management
- Band 3 (£326.70) – Covers all treatments in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures like crowns, dentures, and bridges
Some treatments like complex dental surgery or wisdom tooth removal can come under NHS treatments but may also need to be referred to a specialist for further appraisal.
These subsidised rates (correct at time of publishing) make basic dental care more affordable, but the system has limitations. The service has often been subsidised by the private care offered at the same practice as the fees do not meet the cost of provision.
NHS dental appointment availability
One of the most significant challenges with NHS dental treatment is appointment availability. Due to the way in which NHS services are contracted to private practices, many have limited NHS slots, and finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult in some areas. Patients often face:
- Longer waiting times for routine appointments
- Limited availability for non-emergency treatment
- Difficulty securing a regular NHS dentist in some regions
NHS treatment limitations
NHS dentistry focuses primarily on clinical need rather than cosmetic improvements. The NHS provides treatments deemed clinically necessary to maintain oral health, but options may be limited when compared to private alternatives. For example, NHS dentists will typically offer metal rather than tooth-coloured fillings for back teeth, as they’re more cost-effective while being clinically adequate. If you are looking to improve the look of your smile then private practices like Eilertsen can often provide you with a variety of dental work options.
How does private dentistry work?
You might be wandering ‘how does private dentistry work’? For one, it operates outside the NHS framework, allowing dentists more flexibility in the treatments they offer and how they schedule and undertake appointments. Dentists working under this model are able to offer the time needed to deliver an excellent service, to ‘care’ for their patients. Many dentists express a want to offer the best materials, use the most up to date equipment and this is available under the private system. Appointment lengths can be extended to allow patients to experience the gold standard in delivery.
Private dental funding models
Unlike the standardised NHS bands, private dental care offers several payment options for dental services:
- Fee-per-item: Paying for each treatment individually
- Monthly plans: Spreading costs through dental plans that often include routine check-ups and hygiene appointments or even discounted rates
- Dental insurance: Coverage through private dental insurance policies; Eilertsen Dental Care uses renowned Denplan to help patients budget for oral healthcare.
At Eilertsen Dental Care, we offer transparent pricing for all our treatments and services, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their dental care investments. By taking control of your oral health you protect your teeth for the long-term and often save money by avoiding expensive, complex treatment further down the road. In addition to our dental plan (Denplan) which can start from as little as £22.50 a month, we also offer 0% finance options on treatments through Tabeo, a company trusted by a large amount of primary care providers like Eilertsen. Cost should not be a barrier to living a pain free and healthy life.
Expanded treatment options
Private dentistry’s primary advantage is the wider range of treatment options available, particularly in cosmetic and advanced restorative dentistry. Private practices like Eilertsen Dental Care can offer:
- Advanced cosmetic treatments including teeth whitening, veneers, and aesthetic bonding
- Modern orthodontic options like clear aligners
- Premium materials for restorations such as tooth-coloured composite fillings and all-ceramic crowns
- Dental implants and advanced reconstructive procedures
- Facial aesthetic treatments like lip enhancement and neck rejuvenation
These treatments focus not just on oral health but on enhancing the appearance and function of your smile, which falls outside the scope of NHS care in most cases. Whilst cosmetic treatments aren’t necessarily associated with improved oral health, it’s been shown that sometimes these treatments will facilitate better cleaning and flossing, further extending the quality of your teeth and gums. Patients often report an increase in happiness: a smile that a patient is happy with is something which is increases confidence and improves wellbeing.
Enhanced appointment availability and time
Private dental practices typically offer:
- Shorter waiting times for appointments
- Longer appointment slots allowing more comprehensive care
- More flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments
- Emergency appointments with faster access
At Eilertsen Dental Care, we understand our patients lead busy lives, which is why we prioritise convenience and accessibility in our appointment scheduling. Working extended hours, Saturdays and bank holidays, giving you the freedom to attend appointments at a time which suits you. We believe patient care comes first and you can contact us on 01752 910 640, leave a message and we will respond as quickly as we can.
The dental practice business model: What patients should know
Now that you understand the benefits of private dental care, it’s important to understand how most dental practices operate. Contrary to what some patients assume, dental practices often function as business premises where individual dentists rent space and operate as independent contractors.
Most dentists, whether providing NHS or private care, are self-employed professionals rather than employees of the practice. This business structure means:
- Dentists typically rent space within a practice building
- Each dentist operates as an independent contractor
- Dentists are responsible for their own clinical decisions and treatments
- In many cases, complaints or resolutions need to be directed to the individual dentist rather than the practice as a whole
This arrangement affects how complaints and resolutions are handled. If you have concerns about treatment received, you’ll often need to address these with your specific dentist in the first instance. For more information about how to raise concerns, please refer to our updated complaints policy which outlines the process in detail.
Key differences: NHS vs private dental care
Treatment approach and philosophy
NHS dental care:
- Focuses on addressing immediate clinical needs
- Treatment decisions often guided by cost-effectiveness
- Limited options for material choices
- Emphasis on functional rather than aesthetic outcomes
Private dental care:
- Comprehensive approach including preventative, functional, and aesthetic aspects
- Treatment plans customised to individual preferences and budgets
- Wide range of material choices offering improved aesthetics and longevity
- Emphasis on both health outcomes and cosmetic improvements
Patient experience
NHS dental care:
- Standard appointment lengths (often 10-15 minutes)
- Basic but clinically adequate facilities
- Limited time for detailed discussions about treatment options
- Focus on essential treatment rather than comprehensive care
- For some NHS dentists if you don’t attend an appointment within a 2 year window you will be removed from their list of NHS patients
Private Dental Care:
- Extended appointment times allowing detailed discussions
- Enhanced comfort measures and amenities
- State-of-the-art equipment and techniques
- Comprehensive care addressing all aspects of oral health
At Eilertsen Dental Care, we pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where patients can receive unhurried care tailored to their individual needs. As a private dental practice it’s in our best interests to retain as many of our clients through good quality patient care as we can.
Continuity of care
NHS dental care:
- May see different dentists for different appointments
- Limited recall systems
- Standard follow-up procedures
Private Dental Care:
- Consistent care from the same dentist – particularly helpful in building a rapport and trust in dental work
- Personalised recall systems
- Proactive approach to dental health maintenance
- Relationship-based care focused on long-term outcomes
Building lasting relationships with our patients is a cornerstone of our approach at Eilertsen Dental Care, as we believe continuity leads to better dental health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Making the right choice for your dental care work
When deciding between NHS and private dental care, consider these factors:
Budget considerations
NHS patients get essential care at subsidised rates, making it suitable for:
- Patients on limited budgets
- Those needing only basic dental treatment
- Patients eligible for free NHS dental care
Private dental treatment offers enhanced options but generally at a higher cost, suitable for:
- Those seeking advanced or cosmetic treatments
- Patients who value convenience and time-saving
- Individuals looking for a more personalised dental experience
By using Eilertson Dental Care, you get the best of both worlds. Fantastic dental care with a wide array of treatments at an affordable cost with 0% finance options to spread the cost with no hidden fees.
Treatment needs and priorities
Your specific dental needs should guide your choice:
- For basic preventative care and essential treatments, NHS services may be sufficient, however it’s far easier to find a private dental provider close to home
- For cosmetic improvements, advanced restorative work, or specialised treatments, private care offers more options
- For complex conditions requiring multidisciplinary care, private dentistry often provides more comprehensive solutions to keep your mouth healthy
Accessibility and convenience
Consider practical aspects:
- As a private patient if you need urgent treatment, private care typically offers faster access
- If appointment flexibility is important, private practices generally offer more options
- If you’re in an area with good NHS provision, this may meet your needs effectively however there are fewer NHS dentists available in Plymouth and Devon.
Hybrid approaches: The best of both worlds
Many patients opt for a combined approach:
- Receiving routine check-ups and basic treatment through the NHS
- Choosing private options for cosmetic or advanced treatments
- Using private care when NHS waiting times are prohibitive
At Eilertsen Dental Care, we understand that dental health is deeply personal, and financial considerations play an important role in decision-making. We’re happy to discuss the most appropriate care pathway for your individual circumstances.
Conclusion: Informed choices lead to better dental health
Whether you choose NHS dental treatment or private dental care, understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Both systems have their place in UK dental care, serving different needs and preferences.
At Eilertsen Dental Care, we’re committed to providing exceptional private dental care that focuses on quality, comfort, and outcomes. Our comprehensive range of treatments ensures we can meet diverse patient needs, from essential care to advanced cosmetic and restorative procedures.
We believe that accessible information leads to better healthcare decisions, which is why we’ve created this guide. If you have questions about your dental care options or would like to explore private treatment at our practice, our friendly team is always happy to help you navigate your choices.
Remember, good dental health is an investment in your overall wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life – whatever path you choose to achieve it.
