CHANGES FROM 1ST NOV 2023
SO WE ARE NOT ENTITLED TO 6 MONTH CHECK UPS ANYMORE? Dental reviews are annual. This is because clinical evidence shows 6 month recalls are not required for all patients, particularly those in good oral health. The new 12 month recall also reflects NICE guidance. However if after a thorough examination, the dentist decides the patient needs to be seen more than once per year, then they have the flexibility to do so through the new review examination introduced in the reform. If the dentist thinks the patient should be seen every 3 or 6 months, then the appropriate review code to make the appointments. This does not mean patients are only allowed to contact their dentist once a year. Patients should continue to contact the dental practice if they notice any changes in their oral health, or if they have any concerns in relation to their mouth, especially lumps, bumps and ulcers that do not go away after 3 weeks
HOW MUCH WILL TREATMENT COST? Check ups will remain free, regardless of 6 or 12 monthly recalls
-Scale and polishes will be about £15.68
-Xrays will cost about £5.52 each
-NHS fillings have received a total overhaul and will cost between £10.16 – £54.24.
Your dentist will explain to you how much it will cost.
-Crowns will cost about £149.24 each
-A molar root treatment will cost about £153.48
-An extraction will cost £28.84 per tooth, without surgical needed
-Upper + lower full dentures are about £344.32 without special trays
For full lists of new NHS dentistry prices set by the government please visit the link https://www.scottishdental.org/public/treatment-charges/
WHY HAVE SOME TREATMENT PRICES INCREASED? It is important to remember that patients who are entitled to free NHS treatment due to exemptions will continue to be exempt from dental charges. For those who do pay, the increases will be higher than the usual annual increments while still being significantly lower than private treatment. This is because the NHS charges still continue to represent 80% of the representative fee for the treatment and those fees paid to dentists by the Scottish government have increased. Patients should be assured that the maximum cost for a single course of treatment still remains at £384.
DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY CHECK UP APPOINTMENTS IF I HAVE WAS ONLY SEEN 6 MONTHS AGO? No, appointments do not need to be changed. The new requirements for annual check ups start on the 1st of November 2023, regardless of what the patient has had before
WILL I STILL GET A SCALE AND POLISH AT MY CHECK UP? After a thorough examination, it may be determined by the dentist that a scale and polish is not needed, but a better course of action would be preventative oral health advice, or guidance on tooth brushing techniques. This education and advice may be of more value to the patient as this will allow them to understand their own responsibilities for maintaining good oral health and encourage them to play a more active part. If the dentist decides that the patient needs a scale and polish, this is still available.
ARE PATIENTS ENTITLED TO HAVE WHITE FILLINGS ON ALL THEIR TEETH? No, the guidance on fillings has remained broadly unchanged. Dentists are still expected to place white fillings on front teeth and amalgam, fillings in back teeth except in cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 15 and if the dentist feels white fillings should be provided for non aesthetic reasons. If the patient has had a baby in the last 12 months or has a letter from a secondary care professional advising so, then white fillings can also be considered on the NHS. This does not mean all these groups are entitled to have all their old amalgam fillings removed and replaced.
WHERE PATIENTS STILL HAVE CONCERNS AND NEED ANY FURTHER HELP IN MEETING NHS COSTS, THEY SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO FURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON WWW.NHSINFORM.SCOT
Accessibility of the practice
We have access into surgery one for patients who require dental treatments but cannot go upstairs due to wheelchair accessibility. If you would like to be seen to due to accessibility please speak to your dentists and reception at the front desk.
Parking
There are free parking spaces in front of the practice.
Free parking throughout Musselburgh high street.
Free Car park spaces available at Kerr`s Wynd
Cancelling appointments
Please call and give us 24 hour`s notice or a charge will be made.
Payment
We accept cash, cheques, credit/debit card.
Vacancy
If you are interested in working with our team please contact us via by phone or by email:- Musselburghdentalcare@hotmail.com
Complaints and Problems
Patients of the practice, who have a problem with any aspect of their treatment, bill, etc should speak to the practice manager Jackie Hadden Bowler.
Non- English Speakers
If you require the services of an interpreter please call NHS Lothian Interpretation Service on 0131 242 8181.
Emergency treatments
If you urgently require emergency treatment out with our practice hours please call NHS 24 on 111.
Contact us
31/33 High Street Musselburgh, EH21 7AD
Phone:- 0131 665 2786
Email:- musselburghdentalcare@hotmail.com
MusselburghDentalCare 