Teething problems
WHY AREN’T PARENTS TAKING KIDS TO THE DENTIST?
PARENTS are not taking their kids to the dentist – in case they have to pay.
A new report says children are losing out on dental care because their parents mistakenly think it will cost money.
But NHS regulations say treatment is free for children.
Here we take a look at what you are entitled to – and how not enough people know.
WHAT BROUGHT THIS ON?
A report by the dental health provider mydentist. It looked at a number of things but the misconception that you have to pay for children visiting the dentist stood out.
Nationally, we are not taking up on dental care worth millions.
The alarming find comes just one day after the NHS revealed tooth decay is the top cause of child hospital admissions.
The study also found that adults put up with toothache because they think waiting lists for treatment are too long.
WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY?
Clinical services director at mydentist, Steve Williams, described the findings as “worrying”.
Despite oral health improving in children in recent decades, the number one reason for hospital admissions remains tooth decay even though children receive free treatment.
Steve said: “We need to raise awareness among parents so that children are taken to the dentist regularly to prevent problems developing.
“Simple things like painting fluoride on children’s teeth from an early age twice a year can make a real difference, while regular visits to the dentist should be a given.
“Even among adults, we see millions not taking advantage of treatment they are entitled to cost free, or paying for private treatment because of a misconception that waiting lists are excessively long.”
WHAT DENTAL TREATMENT IS FREE?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are eligible in these ways: You are under 18 You are under 19 and in full-time education
You are pregnant or had a baby in the past 12 months.
You are staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment.
You are an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient (although you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges)
In all of these cases you should get free treatment.
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credits or Universal credit and some other benefits.
SO IT’S NOT JUST KIDS WHO ARE NOT GOING TO THE DENTIST?
No. The survey also found that more than two in five respondents had no idea that pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the past 12 months are entitled to free treatment.
Nearly half of the 2,000 people polled didn’t realise that under-19s in full time education are exempt from charges too.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF NOT GOING?
In a nutshell, not getting treatment could lead to poor dental hygiene, the risk of unnecessary work later on, and even tooth loss.
Not making an appointment could lead to small problems becoming big ones.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T GET FREE TREATMENT?
Band 1: £20.60 covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish and planning for further treatment.
Band 2: £56.30 covers all treatment covered by Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
Band 3: £244.30 covers all treatment covered by Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.
If, within two months of completing a course of treatment, you need more treatment from the same charge band or a lower one – such as another filling – you don’t have to pay anything extra.
WHAT DID PEOPLE THINK THE FIGURES WERE?
For fillings, root canal treatment and extractions (removal of teeth), the survey showed Brits thought they would pay double the true figure.