LINK: Why has our hygienist fee increased?

NHS Dentist will provide you with clinically necessary oral hygiene treatment on the NHS.

All periodontal treatment required for the health of your gums will always be provided on the NHS at this practice. You will never be expected to pay privately for clinically necessary treatment

There are those patients who have more serious periodontal problems. The dentist can then refer the patient to the hygienist with a view to performing a longer periodontal treatment, known as a prolonged period or ’10C’. This consists of two further appointments. This is available on the NHS.

Treatment consists of removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, cleaning out the pockets between the teeth and the gums and polishing the teeth.

Dental Hygiene

Keeping your teeth and gums clean. Good oral hygiene will prevent dental decay, periodontal disease and is essential for preserving gums and the bone which keeps your teeth secure in your mouth. If you smoke, you are likely to have dental problems. You are urged in the strongest terms to stop smoking. If you continue to smoke you are likely to lose teeth. Your doctor can prescribe help for you to give-up smoking. Toothbrush – consider a powered brush OR choose a manual toothbrush which Has a head size that feels comfortable and allows you to reach the back teeth Has soft or medium nylon bristles Children up to 10 years old need an adult to brush their teeth for them every day Children over the age of 6 can use adult toothpaste.

  1. Every time you come to the dentist for a check up, the dentist will check your BPE (Basic Periodontal Examination) which means putting a probe into the spaces between your teeth and the gums.
  2. If your BPE score is 3 – 4, except for something called “false pocketing” you will be deemed to have periodontal (gum) disease. You will then be referred to the hygienists treatment ON THE NHS.
  3. If you are on benefits which provide you with free treatment, you will not pay for this treatment. If you normally pay for your NHS treatment, then it will form part of your normal charges.
  • Band 1 – one appointment with the hygienist after seeing the dentist = £26.80
  • Band 2 – two appointments with the hygienist after seeing the dentist = £73.50

NOTE:These appointments are NOT prescribed for cosmetic reasons and do NOT include scaling and polishing.

It is possible for another dentist’s patient to see our hygienist. Your dentist would have to complete the form PH2 which we have prepared to make things simple. This would constitute a referral to our hygienist, thereby complying with the General Dental Council regulations. This can be downloaded here. You can then call us to make your appointment, these can be multiple within one year of the date of referral. Payment must be made by credit card in advance and is only refundable if 24 hours notice is given (8 working hours).  For appointments on a Monday, the cancellation must be made by the preceding Friday lunchtime (1pm). You will forfeit your payment if this is not done. There is an accompanying explanatory leaflet, PH1 which can also be downloaded here and should be read carefully for full conditions.

If you would like to see one of our hygienists for cosmetic reasons only, this will cost you £75.00 for a 30 minute appointment.

You may see your hygienist for a cosmetic clean without seeing your dentist again within one year of your last check up appointment. You may call reception and make the appointment up to four times in a calendar year.

After the year is up, you will have to have a check up with your dentist before making any further appointments with the hygienist. This is because a hygienist only works under the instructions of a dentist and a dentist must check your medical condition every 12 months.

  • Standard hygiene £75

This service is for patients that see the hygienist regularly, every 3-6 months this is also a good service for children under 12 years of age

  • Extended hygiene clean £138

This service is recommended for; Patients that have not seen a hygienist for many years, All new patients Patients suffering from periodontal disease (gum disease)

  • Airflow £120

The hygienists use the airflow machine to remove stains from the teeth, suitable for smokers or heavily stained teeth

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