Question 1

Do I pay for my NHS dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Young people under the age of 26 are exempt from paying NHS treatment charges.

You are also exempt from paying NHS treatment charges if you recieve certain benefits including: Income Support, Universal Credit, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guaranetee Credit or NHS TAX Credit Exemption Certificate.
 
If none of the above applies to you but you are still concerned you cannot afford NHS treatment charges then you can ask for a HC1 form from reception or any other primary healthcare setting (GP or Pharmacy). This form is an application for financial support towards paying NHS treatment costs.
 
For everyone else recieveing NHS treatment they need to pay for part of their treatment and the NHS pays the difference. NHS treatment charges are standardised accross Scotland and can be viewed online. 
 
All costs will always be explained to patients before treatment commences and check-ups are free.

Question 2

Can I register as an NHS patient?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
 
We have a full page explaining the registration process and who is elgible to register. But in short everyone can register with a Dentist from newborn babies to elderly patients in full time care.

Question 3

Can I get private treatment whilst I am registered as a NHS patient?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
 
We offer a full range of NHS and private treatments. It is possible to get both private and NHS treatment depending on your clinical needs and what you want to do. All options will always be explained to our patients and they can choose the option best for them. In some cases we can even combine the two options during a single treatment plan.
 
In addition some services are only available on a private basis as they are not covered under the NHS such as cosmetic teeth whitening.
 
An example of combination treatment plan would be where you recieve root canal treatment and/or a crown on the NHS and then get your teeth whitened privately once this has been done.

Question 4

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

The best way to register is to phone us on 01355 206800.
 
You can also email us to start the process; please see the 'Registration' section of our website for more information.
 
You will not be officially registered until you have been seen for an appointment; this is a statutory requirement to complete the process.

Question 5

I am in pain and the practice is closed?

Accepted Answer

NHS 24 provides an emergency out of hours service to patients registered with a Dentist. If you are in pain and cannot wait until the practice reopens then you can phone them on 111. They will triage you and either give you advice or arrange to see you in an out of hours center.

Question 6

What is an AGP?

Accepted Answer

AGP stands for Aerosol Generating Procedure. As the name suggests it is a procedure that produces aerosols. Many different dental procedures, including using high-speed drills and drying teeth with air, produce aerosols and are therefore classed as AGPs.
 
This is why dental services were seriously restricted during the Covid-19 pandemic as it was unclear if these aerosols could spread Covid-19. There is still no evidence to suggest that they do but none-the-less every precaution must be taken when it comes to patient safety.
 
At Queensway Dental Care we have gone above and beyond to protect our patients and staff. We have voluntarily invested in Aeroguard 4s air filtration units and electrostatic disinfection guns as well as having state of the art ventilation systems in each of our surgerys.
 
It is safe and important to attend the Dentist and there is no increased risk of catching Covid-19 or any other respiratory illness when attending.

Question 7

What age should my child be before attending the Dentist?

Accepted Answer

Ideally they should be registered with a Dentist as soon as they are born. Typically, nothing is done during the first two years but it is always a good idea to bring them to the Dentist. The Dentist will have a look around the mouth to make sure everything is as it should be and this is usually done at the same time as a parent or carers appointment.
 
Bringing a baby to the Dentist will allow them to become accustomed to the sights and sounds of a dental practice. This is shown to promote good oral hygiene in the future and increases their complience with dental treatment as young children (this can be a major factor in deciding treatment options such as orthodontics and management of problamatic baby teeth). Once adult teeth come through children will have them for life and should take care of them; this starts with regularly attending the Dentist!