Hi ermintrude_uk,
"How do I find a good dentist in London (UK)?"
Briefly, ask lots of questions of dentists, your family, and friends,
and know what is important to you personally. Following are a few
websites which give guidelines on how to choose a dentist. I've copied
and pasted some relevant sections but please click on the links for
the full text.
How do I choose a private dentist?
"It is worth doing some research because services and prices vary.
Talk to the practices in your area and find out what they offer, ask
friends or relatives for recommendations and look in your local
telephone directory.
Be sure to discuss your particular needs and any special expertise you
may need. For example:
Will you need weekend appointments or out-of-hours emergency cover?
Does your fear of dentists mean you need them to use relaxation techniques?
Do you need treatment for young children?
How does the practice keep up-to-date with the latest treatments and technology?
What other services does the practice provide?
You should ask for a sample price list and discuss what these prices cover.
Find out in particular if the practice charges a registration fee
(note, this is not the same as the initial examination fee).
Finally, find out if the practice participates in a quality assurance
programme, such as a dental accreditation scheme, and how this
benefits patients."
Before choosing a dentist
"Have I discussed my requirements in advance?
Does the practice provide the services I want?
Have I seen a sample price list?
Does the dentist charge a registration fee?
How much is it?
Have I compared services and prices with those of other practices?
Does the dentist have a formal complaints procedure?
Before agreeing to treatment
Are there alternatives to the treatment suggested?
Can I get the same treatment on the NHS?
If so do I still want to have the treatment carried out privately?
Have I received a written, costed treatment plan?
Will I get a fully itemised bill after treatment?
Have I discussed how my treatment will be paid for?"
http://www.oft.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/5D313793-ACDE-4EF1-BED4-70289B2BC937/0/oft660.pdf
Whether you?re looking for NHS or private treatment, how do you choose
a dentist and make sure you get a fair deal?
"All dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council. They
will have the letters BDS, LDS or BchD after their names. MEGDP (UK)
or MGDS are the more senior qualifications.
But, of course, price and qualifications aren't the only things to
look for in a dentist. ?The relationship between dentist and patient
is important,' says British Dental Association spokesperson John
Hilsdon. ?You have to get on well, so your dentist should be someone
you feel comfortable with. Different people have different
requirements ? you might be very nervous about going to the dentist,
for example ? so you could choose a dentist on that basis. Getting a
word-of-mouth recommendation is also always good.'
Getting a fairer deal: what you can do
* OFT has put together a number of recommendations for consumers. These include:
* When choosing a dentist, ask the practice for guide prices on the
treatments and services it provides.
* Check that your dentist is a member of an accreditation scheme.
* When you go for treatment, ask for a written treatment plan with an
itemised breakdown of costs.
* If you need extensive or expensive treatment, ask for a cooling-off
period before committing yourself. Seek a second opinion if you are in
doubt.
* Make sure you receive an itemised invoice.
* Ask for copies of your dental records and take them with you if you
change dentist. "
http://www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/EE3ABF13-C24E-11D7-B8C5-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1
How to Choose a Dentist
Positive Signs
"Good dentists take a personal interest in patients and their health..."
"A thorough dental examination includes inspection of the teeth, gums,
tongue, lips, inside of the cheek, palate, and the skin of the face
and neck, plus feeling the neck for abnormal lymph nodes and
enlargement of the thyroid gland..."
"Regular check-ups can detect problems early..."
"High-quality dental work usually lasts a very long time, whereas
low-quality work may fall out or decay out in a few years..."
"Before embarking on treatment, get a clear understanding at your own
level of what is to be done and what the outcome might be..."
Negative Signs
"Be wary of flamboyant advertising, because it is likely to signify an
emphasis on mass production rather than quality care..."
"Routine use of intravenous sedation is another bad sign because it
means that patients are exposed to unnecessary risks...
"A small percentage of dentists espouse or engage in unscientific
pracftices. You should avoid any dentists who:
* Sell vitamins or other dietary supplements
* Automatically recommend replacement of amalgam fillings or removal
of teeth that have root canals
* "Specialize" in treating headaches, backaches, myofascial pain, or TMJ problems
* Allege that fluoridation is dangerous
* Identify themselves as practicing "holistic" or "biological" dentistry
* Diagnose neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis (NICO)
* Go beyond dentistry by diagnosing "heavy metal toxicity" or
diseases other than those of the mouth, gums, teeth, and associated
tissues. "
Other Tips
"It makes sense to become acquainted with a family dentist before an
emergency arises. Suitable prospects can be identified by asking among
friends, acquaintances, and local health professionals. Additional
recommendations can be obtained from a local dental society or a
dental school if one is located nearby.
"A good first step is to schedule a "get acquainted" visit to see
whether your personalities and philosophies of health care are a
match. "Ask about fees and payment plans..."
"Be cautious about dentists who recommend elaborate treatment plans..."
http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/dentalchoose.html
BBC - Health - Talking to your doctor - At the dentist
"Many dental practices have a practice leaflet with details of the
services they offer, including times for dental check-ups. This can
help you determine whether this particular dentist is suitable for
you.
It's also worth visiting the practice first; gut feelings and first
impressions are often very reliable."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/talking_to_your_doctor/highstreet_dentist.shtml
Finding a Good Dentist: 9 Questions You Need to Ask [as a parent]
1. Do you feel comfortable treating young children?
2. Are parents encouraged to be with their young children during a dental visit?
3. Where is your office located and what are your office hours?
4. Do you accept our dental insurance plan and will routine exams and
work be covered?
5. Will we be notified when it's time for our next visit?
6. How long has the dentist been in practice?
During the visit:
7. Does the dental office appear clean and in good order?
8. Are the instruments and work area routinely sterilized and disinfected?
9. Are treatment options, techniques and fees explained clearly?
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nhealth/0,,3xv2,00.html
More links of Interest:
BDA Find a Dentist
Enhanced Search (choose the various Services, Treatments and
Facilities that you require)
http://www.bda-findadentist.org.uk/index.php?advanced=1
OFT Report on Private Dentistry in the UK - BDA Response
http://www.bda-dentistry.org.uk/about/policy.cfm?ContentID=865
Draft National Standards for Dental Services
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/health/dnsds-02.asp
British Dental Health Foundation
http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk/helpline/
General Dental Council
http://www.gdc-uk.org/General+public/
Confederation of Dental Employers
http://www.codeuk.com/index.jsp
I was happy to work on this for you (very interesting research). If
you have any questions, please post a clarification request and wait
for me to respond before closing/rating my answer.
Thank you,
hummer
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