FAQs

Why are you moving to Denplan?

We have decided to join Denplan as there is an access issue and we know our current service isn’t good enough for patients. By joining Denplan, we are able to operate a system that guarantees people two check ups a year again, whereas waiting times for a check up are currently approximately every 14 months. The NHS system has failed us and we have no other option but to seek alternative options for our patients as we understand how frustrating it has been for everyone. We have stood by the NHS whilst other practices have gone down a private route. However, the time has come where sadly we need to make the move. We have also found a demand in patients wanting a payment plan and we discovered this was the most cost effective option for our patients.

What will happen to NHS appointments? 

We will still be offering NHS appointments for the time being, however these will be more limited.  Due to our contract with Denplan, we need to have a certain amount of appointments available during the week for our Denplan patients. It isn’t mandatory to sign up, but if you want guaranteed appointments, then it would be highly recommended as we are unsure what the wait times will be between appointments for treatment or exams for our remaining NHS patients. Please be mindful that our Denplan slots are limited and once these are filled, we won’t be opening anymore these become naturally available.

Why am I no longer registered / why has my registration lapsed? 

When you attend the practice for an appointment, you tick a box in the blue form which states that you want to remain on the list for that dentist for the next 25 months. This has been the case for as long as we can remember. If you do not attend within this timeframe, then your registration lapses and you fall off the system. Unfortunately we stopped taking on NHS registrations or Re-registrations in 2021 as we tried to sort the back log of patient appointments. With over 16,000 patients in our system, we are already over our capacity. We cannot physically contact every single person whose registration is about to lapse; any reminders are a courtesy service and not mandatory. 

What are my options to register at the practice? 

We aren’t taking on any new NHS patients and have no plans to do so in the future as we are making the switch to Denplan. Now, you can join any of our Denplan plans, which start from £0.31 per day.

Plan A will be £9.50 per month, and will include your two exams, necessary x-rays and one hygiene appointment, plus then 10% discount off all further treatment. 

Plan B will be £17.05 per month and will include two exams, necessary x-rays and two hygiene appointments per year, plus 10% off all further treatment. 

We have removed the registration fee for patients which is usually anything from £15 per patient. 

We have family discounts available should payment be made from one bank account and everyone is living at the same address – 5% for two people, 10% for three people and 15% for four or more people. 

Kids prices depend on age – 0-11years will be £5.50 per month, 12-16years will be £10 per month. These plans include: 

• Simple fillings on baby teeth, x-rays as necessary, Ortho assessment, oral health education, 10% off fee for restoration off adult teeth and fissure sealants. 

Am I tied into a Denplan contract? 

When you sign up, there is a 14 day cooling off period- so if you sign up today and go home and think it isn’t for you, then you have 14 days to change your mind. You can cancel your contract at any time, however you will need to give three months notice, as stated in the contract. Similarly, when you sign up to Denplan, you aren’t guaranteed an appointment before the first payment, patients are normally seen within an 8 to 12 week period as this is part of the paying ahead scheme. Your monthly payment is for your plan, which is to be fulfilled anytime within a 12-month period. 

How much will treatment now cost me? 

Any patients on Denplan will initially get a 10% discount off any treatment outside of their plan. This will be reviewed annually and further discounts may be applied. Private fee lists will be available on our website or we can provide patients with a paper copy. QR codes will also be available throughout the Practice for patients to scan themselves. 

When will I get an appointment if I need treatment or an emergency slot? 

NHS emergency slots will be available each day but these will be limited. Emergency slots will also be available every day for Denplan patients and they will also have the guarantee of being seen within a 7 day timeframe. We will try our best to ensure that general appointments will be available for Denplan patients within an 8 week timeframe. We cannot say how long NHS appointments will be available in advance, the diary will be opening 3 – 4 months ahead, but this doesn’t mean you will be guaranteed an appointment in this block, once the slots go, they go. 

What happens if I break a tooth over the weekend and I am a Denplan patient? 

If you choose to take out the Supplementary Insurance with your plan, Denplan will cover you to be seen abroad or outside of a 40mile radius from our Practice. We will however try and get you seen within a 48 hour period, email triage will be available and there will be appointment slots reserved on a Monday.

I normally am entitled to exemptions; how will this work with Denplan?

Unfortunately, exemptions aren’t registered with Denplan and everyone has to pay the same amount, depending on which plan you choose. Workplaces may cover the cost of certain treatment per year, but this is something you would have to ask and organise yourself. Some people’s insurance may cover dental treatment or Denplan offer an insurance upgrade which starts at £0.60 per month. 

What are the plan options?

Supplementary Insurance £0.60 per month