What is ‘independent’ dentistry?

Independent dentistry bridges the gap between NHS and high-end private dental care. It offers accessible, affordable treatment, similar to NHS dentistry but without NHS funding.

How Does It Work?

Independent dental practices deliver routine dental care any without financial subsidy from the NHS. Dentists working NHS dental practices may also register patients on an independent basis due to their limited NHS funding.

Independence from NHS constraints allows dentists to:

• Offer greater flexibility: Treatments, materials, and equipment are not limited by NHS funding.
• Meet local needs: Dentists can provide care in areas where it is needed when there is insufficient NHS funding available.

Is Independent Dentistry Affordable?

While independent dentistry has no NHS funding and therefore costs more than NHS subsidised care, it is typically more affordable than high-end private dental care. Independent dentists may offer different payment options to help make their dental care affordable:

• Pay-as-you-go schemes: Similar to NHS fee structures.
• Payment plans: Spread the cost of care through manageable monthly instalments.

This model makes quality care more accessible to those who may find the cost of premium private dentistry too high.

Why Choose Independent Dentistry?

With ongoing challenges in NHS dental services, including limited funding and long waiting times, independent dentistry provides a practical alternative.

Independent dentistry allows patients to:

• Access essential and routine treatments without long delays.
• Benefit from a wider choice of treatment options.
• Keep the cost of dental care manageable.