Cost of Living vs Oral Health

Cost of Living vs Oral Health

The cost of living is rising rapidly, so there’s no wonder why some people are going to extreme lengths to fix their own dental issues. Reports from a BBC investigation (Aug 2022) found that 9 in 10 NHS dental practices across the UK are not accepting new adult patients.

Dentists stress the importance of a six-monthly check-up to maintain good oral health, and whilst this treatment is essential, it’s virtually impossible to book through the NHS.

There is no surprise people are resorting to pulling out their own teeth or creating makeshift dentures to get by. Although we certainly do not recommend this, we understand how dental issues can affect an individual’s quality of life.

Preventative dentistry is the most important treatment a dental practice can provide. A simple check-up can reduce the likelihood of intrusive treatment in the future. Without a dental check-up, certain problems can go unnoticed or untreated for years resulting in unwanted surgeries and more expensive treatments being needed further down the line.

It is worrying that local communities are forced to ignore their dental issues to the point where they have no other option but to live with the pain of a rotting tooth.

Why is a private dentist writing about the harrowing NHS dental crisis when people can’t afford to pay private prices? The answer being; we want to help!

Although we can’t compare to the NHS subsidised prices, we can offer ways to make the possibility of booking with us a little less daunting. We also want you to know that we continue to welcome new patients who appreciate the wider choices that private dental care provides both in terms of how their care is delivered and the types of treatment that are made available.

Unlike NHS practices, we invest in our practice to provide a smooth-running service without a single contribution which means every piece of equipment, every treatment, and each member of staff is reimbursed through the surgery without any outside help.

What we can offer is an affordable monthly membership and 0% finance* to help alleviate the pressure of having to choose between your oral health or a full tank of fuel. Our patients thankfully recognise that regular visits to the dentist and a hygienist are vital for maintaining a healthy mouth, and many prefer to have their routine care delivered through one of our affordable membership plans.

With shorter wait times, longer appointments, and the flexibility to be seen at your convenience, it can reduce the unwanted stress and anxiety associated with dentist appointments.

We have a dedicated specialist team who are familiar with dealing with nervous patients & can provide support or alternatives such as conscious sedation if needed to alleviate any worries about an upcoming dental procedure.

Monthly memberships ensure you receive six-monthly check-ups and hygiene visits to prevent the costly and unwanted treatments that may occur without having these appointments.

We also offer lots of advice and oral health tips on our social media pages to help look after your teeth. We also try to update this resource hub frequently with any topics our patients have found useful. So please refer back to this section or get in touch if you want us to write about something you feel would benefit yourself and others.

We hope that Olive Tree Dental can help with your dental needs in a financially viable way in the future, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

* Terms and conditions apply. Written quotations are available on request from Wesleyan Bank Limited.
Credit facilities are subject to status and affordability checks and only available to UK residents over the age of 18.