This debate is now closed.
Is there a need to review dental services?
An independent review has recommended significant changes to the way NHS dentistry is organised in England.Do you welcome the review?
A new dental contract for dentists was introduced in April 2006 in an attempt to widen access for NHS patients. But it has proved highly unpopular with the profession - and with the public.
Susie Sanderson, chair of the British Dental Association's executive board, said: "The 2006 reforms caused significant problems for patients and dentists; notably difficulties in accessing dental care and a system that does not encourage the provision of preventive care. "This is an opportunity to address those problems and it is vital that it is taken."
Do you welcome the further review of dental services? Have you experienced problems accessing dental services or are you happy with the care you are receiving?
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Published:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 11:59 GMT
12:59 UK
All comments as they come in
Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:50 GMT
22:50 UK
No matter what people think the fact remains that people on low wages but not receiving benefits and they will not be helped by any reforms. We already pay quite a sum for dentistry - anybody unlucky enough to need more than one crown in any 1 year will pay £200 per tooth is done separately and some things which I had done lots of years ago and at that time on the NHS for medical reasons after skin cancer cost me over £600 cannot not now be done other than privately. Look closely at changes.
Margaret Hart, Redcar, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:50 GMT
22:50 UK
why is it that we have to pay anything towards NHS dental care when any illness or injury to any other part of your body is treated free of charge (other than a prescription fee). all essential treatment should be free and you should only pay for non essential cosmetic work. All dentists should be made to devote 75% of their time to NHS patients or be stuck off. those that abandon NHS patients are just greedy and the idiots that go to them are being ripped off. demand an NHS dentist.
nick durst, bingham
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:28 GMT
22:28 UK
My 11 year old daughter cannot get dental treatment because we are on "tax credit exemption". We are treated like "aliens" although me and my wife have paid taxes to fund the NHS for 25 years or so... It is not our fault we have a recession.
The dentists are nothing more than "wolves" feasting on the flesh of dead workers who once paid dues... Dentists should be "forcefully" given NHS, or they should be struck off.
Robert Warburton, Barnsley, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:22 GMT
22:22 UK
I havent been to the dentist for 20-years...
cant afford it...
due to my status...
i.e. I work, pay tax and N.I.
copper bottom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:15 GMT
22:15 UK
Bombard your local MP´s with justified complaints until they realise they have to work for their expenses ( if not their salary)
There is no other way.
quietoaktree anon
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:13 GMT
22:13 UK
we are basically a third world country when it comes to our health care and our dental services compared to other countries. we pay through the nose in NI payments deducted from our wages and get nothing back for it. i was with a NHS dentist and for 4 years i never had a problem with my teeth as soon as they came off the NHS list my dentist suddenly found a filling and insisted it should be a white one total £112. graduate dentists should be made to work for the NHS for 5yrs to pay back grants.
Andy Ms, Gloucester, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:10 GMT
22:10 UK
Yes. When I was 12 a dentist filled my teeth even though there was nothing wrong with them. I didn't go back again till I was 21. After that I went because it was free during my 2 pregnancies and then took the children every 6 months until they were young adults. I used to go as well, but since the NHS has messed it all up I only go when I have toothache. Even though my husband is a pensioner, I still pay for treatment. I need a tooth capped, but the cost is prohibitive.
[oldragon1952], Sheerness, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:04 GMT
22:04 UK
'If the NHS is funded by taxpayers money - my money - why, when I go to an NHS dentist, do I have to pay for it.'
you pay for prescriptions, don't you? Same applies - you pay part, NHS pays part. Filling - NHS 45.60 Private - Dentist's charges what he wants. - as a drug company does
Because of the stupid contract, some Dentists used their NHS payment 9 months into the year, and closed shop as they weren't going to work for nothing. Wouldn't you?
pete dicks, brownhills
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 21:02 GMT
22:02 UK
My NHS dentist went private this year and as I can't afford him am now without a dentist. My wife could only register with a female Polish dentist in our town and she caused so much damage to her teeth we had to pay a private dentist thousands to put them right. I am so fed up and exhausted with UK machine that I no longer have the energy to stand on my box.
James Duchan, Telford
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:54 GMT
21:54 UK
There should be free NHS dentistry for all regardless of income all work should be to the same standard as private dentistry and amalgam fillings should be banned
[phoenixsnest], Exmouth, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:51 GMT
21:51 UK
I have a great nhs dentist in glasgow. with his help my mouth smiles and i can feel good about myself. teeth like the whole NHS are always needing attention as their is never anything static about life. new methods and training requires investment and constant renewal. hope some day the rest of uk can have as goos a service as i experiance in glasgow for the good of the many.
matthew scott
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:47 GMT
21:47 UK
British dental care has to be the amongst worst in the world and is subject to a never ending stream of jokes from the US
Eric, Halifax, Yorks
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:43 GMT
21:43 UK
In Aberdeen, and many other local areas around here, we appear to have next to no NHS dentists. Mine went private about 5 years ago. We were told, take out a dental plan, chosen by the dentist, or goodbye. For £14.00 a month I get 2 checkups and 2 hygienist treatments a year - generous? No. These dentists will never return to the NHS whilst they can enjoy the benefits of this feudal system. I'd leave tomorrow but have no option but to stay if I want treatment.
[lakselus], Rothienorman, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:42 GMT
21:42 UK
So this is a review of the system introduced as a direct result of the shere incompetence of the government! Why do I think the government will spin this as a success for them rather than admit they screwed up in the first place and didn't listen when they were told their ideas were stupid.
John, Ipswich
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Added:
Monday, 22 June, 2009, 20:41 GMT
21:41 UK
As a husband of a dental nurse with almost 30 years experience, I can confirm that Dental surgeons have had their practices turned upside down by Politicians messing with NHS Dentistry. Most Dentists have turned to private practice only because the G'ment have forced them into it. Don't complain to your dentist - talk to the NHS trust
pete dicks, brownhills
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This Have Your Say is
CLOSED
DEBATE STATUS
Total comments: 306
Published comments: 293
Rejected comments: 13
From Have Your Say
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