Dental practices across Wales often find themselves at the centre of confusion and misinformation.
Patients rightly want clarity about their care, but the structure of NHS dentistry and the reality of running a dental practice can be complex. Here, we address some of the most common misconceptions we encounter and set the record straight.
- “You’re part of the NHS, aren’t you?”
Actually, no. Dental practices are independently owned businesses. While we are contracted by the Local Health Board to provide NHS dental services, we are not NHS employees. Our dentists are self-employed, and our employed team members do not receive the same benefits as NHS hospital or health board staff.
We work under an NHS contract, but we are not funded or operated in the same way as other NHS services.
- “You make money from the NHS charges we pay.”
This is another common misunderstanding. NHS patient charges are set by the Welsh Government, not by us and they don’t go directly into our pockets. In fact, the total amount of patient charges collected over the year is deducted from our contract value. That means if a patient doesn’t pay their charge, we still have to cover the cost of that treatment from our limited NHS funding.
- “But I want [X] treatment on the NHS.”
It’s important to understand that the Welsh Government decides which treatments are available on the NHS. NHS funding is designed to provide clinically necessary care and not elective or cosmetic treatments. We are only funded to deliver adequate care based on a patient’s dental health needs, not wants.
- “Why can’t I have check-ups every six months like I used to?”
This change comes directly from the Welsh Government, too. They’ve introduced a traffic light system that categorises patients based on their risk level. Your recall interval, how often you’re advised to return for a check-up, is based on this assessment. It’s not something your dentist decides arbitrarily.
- “I haven’t been in a while, why can’t I still be seen?”
Under NHS dental contracts in Wales, patients who haven’t attended in a certain timeframe are no longer considered “active” patients. This rule is also set by the Welsh Government, not by dental practices. We are only contracted (and funded) to see patients who attend regularly. If you don’t attend within the set time, we can no longer offer you NHS appointments.6. “Dentists are just being greedy.”
This perception is unfair and often disheartening for dental teams. Many dentists are struggling to work under the increasing pressures and restrictions of the NHS dental contract. With rising costs in wages, materials, compliance, and overheads and no increase in NHS funding, it has become financially unsustainable for some practices to continue operating under the current system. Returning the NHS contract isn’t about greed, it’s about survival.
Private treatments often help practices stay open and invest in staff, training, equipment, and patient care.
- “Private treatment is so much more expensive, why?”
NHS treatments are subsidised by the government, which helps keep fees lower. Private treatments, on the other hand, reflect thereal cost of care – time, materials, training, and overheads included. If NHS fees weren’t subsidised, they would look much closer to private fees.
- “I can get it done cheaper abroad, what’s the catch?”
It’s true that treatment abroad often appears cheaper but the cost savings may come with hidden risks. In the UK, dental professionals are required to pay high indemnity and registration fees, use high quality (and more expensive) materials, maintain strict compliance with HIW and LHB inspections, and invest in ongoing training and regulation.
When you choose treatment in the UK, especially privately, you’re also paying for peace of mind, accountability, and high standards. Before going abroad, ask: Can you be sure those same standards apply elsewhere?
Final Thoughts
Dental teams work incredibly hard to provide quality care under challenging circumstances. We understand that the system isn’t perfect but we hope this has helped clarify how it works and why certain decisions are out of our control.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your practice team – we’re here to help you navigate your dental care with transparency and trust.
