Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are you going private?
We have been providing NHS dental care since we opened in 2006. The current NHS dental contract has been under review for reform since 2012, but no changes have been forthcoming. Using targets rather than outcomes as a measure, is completely juxtaposed to our vision and, although we’ve tried for many years to provide the best quality treatment while still meeting our targets, it has become an untenable balancing act.
We are very proud of the care we provide and we’re just not willing to drop our standards. Because of this and to allow us to continue providing the highest levels of service, we will be limiting the number of patients we register on our Membership Plans.
How do I choose the best Plan for me?
We offer two categories of Membership Plans;
The Maintenance Plans include routine exams, cleanings and a 10% discount on all treatment. You do not have to be dentally fit to join. Children of named members will benefit from the same number of routine check-ups as the named member, at no extra cost and will receive a 50% discount on all necessary treatment.
The Continuing Care Plans include routine exams, cleanings and all necessary treatment*. Where laboratory work such as crowns or dentures are involved, you will pay the laboratory fee only. You must be dentally fit to join a Continuing Care Plan. Children of named members will benefit from free 6-monthly routine check-ups and will receive a 50% discount on all necessary treatment.
*excluding Laboratory fees. Prescriptions. Special treatment and referral to a specialist. Orthodontics. Implants. Cosmetic treatment. Sedation fees.
If you elect to choose the Continuing Care Plan and are not dentally fit, don’t worry, you can join one of the Maintenance Plans until you are. This will enable you to receive the Plan benefits and discounts. Please discuss this option with your Dentist.
Both Plans offer Worldwide Accident and Emergency Cover for NAMED MEMBERS ONLY (excluding children).
All Membership Plans are subject to a 12-month minimum sign-up period.
Once you’ve decided on either the Maintenance or Continuing Care plan, your Dentist will assess which Plan or category is suitable for your personal needs.
What are the benefits of the Accident and Emergency Cover?
Provided by Lloyd & Whyte https://www.lloydwhyte.com/dentists/
Emergency Treatment Benefits
We will pay for emergency treatment up to the maximum value of £500 per incident worldwide, with an annual aggregate limit of £1,000 provided that such Treatment is received by the Plan Member during the period of cover. An excess of £10 is applicable to each and every incident.
Treatments will be covered where the Plan Member requires treatment away from their registered practice (after making all reasonable efforts to attend their registered practice), or at their registered practice outside of their published opening hours.
All charges for treatment must be reasonable, fair, clinically necessary and in line with the normal published treatment charges of the treating dental practice.
Treatment Following Accident
If a Plan Member requires treatment following an accident occurring during the period of cover, benefit will be paid for the cost of such treatment up to the limits specified below, up to a maximum annual aggregate of £12,000.
Treatment must be carried out by the Plan Member’s registered practice unless in an emergency.
If treatment costs are likely to exceed £400 the Plan Member must call Lloyd & Whyte Ltd on 01823 250700 to obtain our prior approval.
Hospital Benefit
If a Plan Member is admitted to hospital as an in-patient, as a direct result of a dental accident or for emergency dental treatment. We will pay £85 for each complete 24 hours the Plan Member remains in hospital under the care of a specialist.
Oral Cancer
If a Plan Member is diagnosed with oral cancer, we will pay the Plan Member up to £3,000 cash benefit. We will only pay this sum for oral cancer once the Plan Member has been referred to a specialist by their general practitioner or dentist.
Permanent Facial Disfigurement
If a Plan Member suffers permanent facial disfigurement as a result of an accident during the period of cover, we will pay the Plan Member the appropriate benefit according to the severity of the scaring as follows:
- Scarring up to 5 cms long in total length – £55
- Scarring more than 5 cms but less than 8 cms in total length – £110
- Scarring 8 cms or more in total length – £550
How quickly do I need to make a decision about joining a Plan?
If you join a plan on the day of your New Patient Appointment, your initial examination fee will reduce by 50%. You can take your time to decide and pay the usual fees until you have made a decision. Please note benefits of the plans will not apply until you have joined. Refunds are not given if a patient joins a plan at a later date.
What if I want don’t want to join a Membership Plan?
You’re always welcome to attend on a pay-as-you-go basis if you prefer to have complete flexibility. Of course, you will not benefit from the savings offered under our Plans or the Worldwide Accident and Emergency Cover. For our regular patients a routine check-up would cost £45 for adults and £15 for children under 18 years of age.
How do I find an NHS dentist?
To ensure fairness, NHS practices in the area wishing to register new patients are obliged to do so using the official NHS waiting list. For further information or to add your name to the waiting list, you can call them on 03330 063 300 or email at [email protected]
What happen if I need to cancel an appointment?
Please telephone or email us to let us know as soon as you can. We do require at least 24 hours notice, a late cancellation fee may apply if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If an appointment is missed or is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, and you haven’t missed an appointment before, you will not be charged as a gesture of goodwill.
If you subsequently miss or cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will incur a fee for the missed appointment.
Missed examinations or hygienist appointments are charged at £30 for adults (over 18 years of age) and £15.00 for children.
Missed treatment appointments will be charged up to 50% of the planned treatment appointment.
Missed appointment fees must be settled before a new appointment can be rebooked. Payments can be made over the telephone or in the Practice.
Continued missed appointments may lead to de-registration.
Award Winning Dentist based in Exeter