Private Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

Q. Why did you converted from an NHS to wholly private dental practice?

A. Euston Place Dental Practice  was an NHS practice between 1948 -2005. We chose to convert to private practice after it became increasingly difficult to maintain our high standards under the ever changing NHS regulation. We are now able to provide better access to our services and allow us more time to treat our patients to a very high standard. 

Whilst the practice had maintained a high standard of oral health care for our patients under the NHS, the limited time we had to treat our patients, shortage of appointments and long waiting times between appointments made running the practice under the NHS unfeasible for the future.

We wanted our patients to have a quality of dental care that we would want ourselves. Our main priority is our patients. Under the NHS, our patients had to wait for weeks and even months to be seen by our dentists and hygienists which we found unacceptable. We were limited in the treatments we were allowed provide under the NHS and are we were not best able to use our knowledge, materials and equipment to meet our patients’ expectations.

Strict heath and safety requirements coupled with ever increasing practice expenditure had over-stretched our services. We have found that we had less resources year on year to allow us to expand our range of services, purchase new equipment and maintain our highly qualified auxiliary staff.

We felt that had we continued to provide oral health care in this manner, it was inevitably be to the detriment of patient care.

In converting to private practice, we can now give each patient the appropriate time they require for their care, in an environment that is comfortable and without having to wait an unreasonable amount of time between appointments. We are able utilise the full range of materials, equipment and treatment options available to provide and maintain an unrivalled quality of dental care whilst continually re-investing in the practice and staff.

Q. Did you convert to private dentistry to make more money?

A. No. Our principal aim in converting to private dentistry was to be able to provide our patients with the best oral health care. The choice to convert is patient not profit driven. We would like to spend more time caring for our patients in a safe comfortable environment whilst maintaining a practice that will continue to care for generations of patients from our community.

 A. Euston place no longer offers NHS treatment for adults. Patients wishing to join us will need to register as a private patient under one of our care plans. Those patients who wish to continue to receiveNHS dental care will need to contact  NHS direct in order to find a dentist offering NHS services.

Q. What will happen to my children currently seen under the NHS?

A. NHS rules and regulations came into force in April 2006. The practice has been granted a restricted children's only contract until 2009. As a result, children will continue to be seen under the NHS up to their 18th birthday. After April 2009, we will once again have to negotiate with the local PCT for funding. 

Q. I am a pensioner, or under 19 in full time education or currently receive exemption from NHS charges or am on benefits. Will I still receive NHS dentistry?

A. All adult patients who choose to remain with us at the practice will be required to join one of our private dental plans. If you prefer to remain an NHS patient, you will need to contact  NHS direct to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients. Patients can choos to join on of our dental plans or register as a purely private patient.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. Our private dental care plans start from £12.50 per month. As little as 42p per day entitles our patients to two check-ups and two visits with the hygienist. In addition, there is a 20% discount on additional treatment for all our health plan patients.

Patients who join our Purely Private (“pay-as-you-go”) scheme can pay for treatment as an when it is provided. However, no discounts on treatment are available. 

The cost of treatment is based on practice running costs and surgery time. A full list of fees is available from reception or your dentist or by clicking the fees  link on found at the top of each page.

Q. I currently pay into a private medical/dental plan or HSA health plan, can I still claim my plan fees?

A. Patients paying into private/HSA plans can still join the practice and claim dental costs back from their insurance company. Patients can continue to pay for their plans by direct debit. Receipts will be provided  every six months for plan patients to claim back their costs. For purely private patients, a receipt will be provided at each visit upon request.

Q. What differences can I expect as a private patient?

A. As a private patient, you can expect a much more bespoke treatment suited to your needs. We will have more time to discuss your needs, and in turn we will be able to offer you a wider range of treatment options, specialist care and provide you with quicker and more convenient appointments. 

We believe that people should be able to smile with confidence, eat without discomfort and enjoy their teeth for a lifetime. We also believe that prevention is far more enjoyable, less costly and more comfortable than treatment. Our aim is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth.

As a new private patient, or existing patient converting from NHS care to private treatment, we shall examine (as appropriate) on your first visit and continue to monitor your oral health thereafter:

The condition of the muscles of your face, your chewing muscles and the stability of your TMJ (Jaw Joint)

The 'soft' areas inside and outside your mouth. This includes an Oral Cancer Screening.

The health of your gums, and your vulnerability to gum and tooth problems.

Each tooth, including the condition and stability of existing dental work and how well the teeth fit together when you bite (your occlusion).

We shall take  x-rays if required and assess the need for further Diagnostic Procedures (for example, special x-rays, digital photographs and/or study models)

You will learn about your current condition and any areas that might need immediate attention.

We will begin to build a Preventive Plan with referral to the hygienist.

Together, we will assess and plan your potential treatment needs in the future.

It is important for all the above to be reviewed regularly, with any changes noted and corrected, as each can be affected by even small alterations in general health, lifestyle, diet, stress levels and posture. We aim to build on this initial first step and continue to maintain your oral health with re-enforcement of preventative dental care.