Private dentist charges

We payed that for a private check up 18 months ago. Dentists are highly trained professionals. They have to employ a lot of support staff and pay for the premises they occupy and all the associated costs. They also use a lot of costly euipment and need to make sure both they and their staff are up to date with dvelopments in dental care. Sounds uite reasonable to me.

Paid about the same for about ten minutes check up. The hygienist charges £89 for about 30mins but is really good and doesn’t cause me the pain I have had when other hygienists have had a go. The upside is I can always get an appointment and they do a good job. The difference between the NHS dentist and the private was really significant when I had dentures fitted.

I belong to Denplan which gives me two ‘free’ check ups and hygienist visits a year.

Each check up takes about 20 minutes and usually includes an X-ray, along with a check for any growths along my jawline.
Hygienist visit takes 20 - 25 minutes.

The scheme also gives a discount on any work needed. I did need quite a lot of complicated work a few years ago, so I think I just about break even (contributions are now £15 a month).