This is a question Fay at reception is regularly asked. The short answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. My personal opinion is that Denplan is more like the National Health than the National Health so why not join Denplan?

First I must explain that all of us here at Haynesdental are great fans of the NHS system in this country. The concept that anyone can see a GP free of charge and then receive treatment in hospital without paying a penny is admired throughout the world. Peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that, should I be involved in an accident tomorrow, then an ambulance can be summoned, and the best possible hospital treatment will be provided, free of charge. I recently viewed Michael Moore’s film called ‘Sicko’ which is a comparison of the American Healthcare system and that of many other healthcare systems throughout the world, and I must say it made me proud to be British. Bravo the NHS!

The NHS was set up in 1948 and the simple principle was that each citizen would pay a National Insurance Contribution and for that we would all be provided with the best medical and dental care absolutely free.  Pension schemes were also included and the statement was made that we would be looked after ‘from the cradle to the grave’. Of course the NHS has had its difficulties during the last 60 years, but we can still be proud of our system.

HOWEVER

The noble principles of 1948 have not been accomplished in dentistry. Successive governments have sought to charge us for our dental treatment. Today one course of treatment can cost nearly £200. Coupled with this is the unavoidable fact that the standard of care may not be what the patient expected. I have the utmost respect for NHS dentists who are often dedicated professionals who are struggling to provide a quality service under very tight financial guidelines. Sadly it has to be said that corners are often cut. Evidence indicates that dentures are being fitted instead of more sophisticated crowns and root fillings. Gum disease is being left untreated. There is much more.

DENPLAN

This is why I say that Denplan is more like the National Health system than the National Health. The principle is exactly the same. A small payment is made each month to Denplan and then you receive the very best dental treatment from your dentist and dental hygienist, FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE.  This is exactly how the NHS ought to be but it is not. Simply stated Denplan provides quality dental treatment and is free at ‘the point of delivery’, whereas the NHS is not.

Now we all know that nothing is actually ‘free’ and dentistry has to be paid for somehow, but in my opinion the Denplan system is better. Some have said to me. “But I have already paid my NHS contribution and so by joining Denplan I pay twice! Why should I pay twice?” My answer to this statement is that it is only partly true. Very little NHS money actually goes towards dentistry these days. It quite rightly goes towards GPs, hospitals and government benefits. It should not be forgotten that the NHS dentist is obliged to charge you for your treatment at ‘the point of delivery’. So most NHS dentistry is NOT paid for in advance by National Insurance contributions. In fact most NHS money goes towards children’s dentistry, because as you remember, children do not pay. The rest goes towards people who cannot afford dental treatment, such as people on government benefits and pregnant mothers. (Interestingly the elderly are not entitled to free treatment per se)

Now for many years Haynesdental has had a small NHS contract and we have strived to use it to provide quality dentistry to these groups. Nearly all our children are seen on the NHS and some adults as well. However, because our NHS contract is so small we often do not have the capacity to accept all new patients. There are specialist NHS dental practices in the area but before you decide to visit them please look into joining Denplan and see Emily, Luke or myself at Haynesdental. 

Please accept my best wishes and remember the words of professor Branemark who invented dental implants 40 years ago. “The worst thing that can happen to a man is for him to die with his teeth in a glass of water!”