My NHS dental practice comprises of three price bands.
Band 1 ......£17.This includes a general examination, any X-rays, and a scale and polish
if needed.
Band 2.......£47 Covers all of the above. Further treatment includes fillings, root canal work and extraction.
Band 3.......£204 Covers bands 1 and 2. Also covers crowns, dentures and bridges.
My visit today was just a general check up, I occupied the chair for barely five minutes. Seizing my opportunity, I asked for a quick scale and polish, in order to banish those stubborn tea/coffee stains that resist normal brushing.
Certainly, Sir.That will be a further £32.50 as we only do it on a private basis. When I pointed out that a scale and polish is part of Band 1 he looked slightly embarrassed before replying
if needed really means .......at our discretion

How many more NHS procedures will be pushed over to the far more expensive private side , I wonder?.....