When I started as a dentist it was pleasing to see an improvement in the Nations dental health with increasing number of the population keeping their teeth throughout their lives. I wonder if this trend has now changed since the introduction of the new NHS contract some 3 and half years ago.
During this period initial figures indicate the number of bridges and root treatments have fallen by around a half and crowns by a third, while treatment involving dentures rose by 13% and extractions by 8%. There has also been a 16% fall in scale and polish treatments, an essential opportunity to deliver preventative advice and the number radiographs (dental x-ray films) has fallen by 36%. This can only mean that disease will now go undetected for longer leading too even more extractions especially as the Government and Department of Health state that their intention is to encourage dentists to provide simpler treatments.
For our children the number of fillings place fell by 13% which on the face of it looks good if it is because they are experiencing less decay. The fact that extractions in children also rose by 12% makes me wonder if this is the real reason.
Here at Smile Style being completely private for adults and children means we are free from the targets and constraints dictated by the Government and we can concentrate on delivering individuals with the best treatment options to ensure dental health for life. NHS Dentistry is no longer free for the vast majority of people and the small extra investment to be seen privately could mean the difference between eating with plastic teeth or your own.
Changing Smiles and Transforming Lives Smile Style Dental Care
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