Prestatyn dental patients criticise private plan fees
Dental patients in Prestatyn have criticised fees for private dental care after the town’s mydentist surgery stopped providing NHS care.
One patient labelled the charges “a joke” after receiving a letter from the practice outlining three payment options. The practice is offering a range of payment plan options, costing between £7.75 and £23.95 per month.
For £7.75, patients will receive one routine check-up and one hygiene appointment per year plus 10% off oral health products. For £15.45, patients will be entitled to two check-ups and hygiene sessions per year. For £23.95, patients will be able to have 2 check-ups and 4 hygiene appointments per year.
In a letter to patients, the practice’s only remaining dentist said that he had to make adjustments to maintain high standards of care. He added that the decision had been
“difficult” but added that it was the only viable option to ensure a “high-quality service.”
Patients who were previously registered with the practice when NHS services were available are worried that they won’t be able to find another surgery or afford to cover the cost of private treatment.
One resident said that the charges were not affordable, especially given the rising cost of living. The patient said that the change had come from nowhere and criticised the charges, suggesting that even the cheapest option was far more expensive than NHS treatment.
He added that he had heard from many other people who had the same concerns. The worry for many is that people will avoid going to the dentist because they can’t afford to get the treatment they need.
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