Is it normal in the UK to never see a dental hygienist?
Posted by Majestic_Cry8545@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 252 comments
I’ve lived in the UK for nearly 15 years, having moved here from Prague, and one thing that still genuinely surprises me is dentistry.
For years I’ve been going to my NHS dentist every 6-12 months, always being told everything looked fab, my brushing was great, and there were no issues. I repeatedly asked whether I should be seeing a dental hygienist and every time I was told no. Where I’m from pretty much everyone is encouraged to see a hygienist every 6-12 months regardless. It isn’t treated as something optional or something you do when there’s already a problem. But I didn’t think much of it (busy life and all that).
So after about three years of not seeing one (and feeling quite pleased with myself after all the praise from my NHS dentist), I eventually booked an appointment while visiting Prague. I honestly expected just a routine clean.
The hygienist spent 90 min cleaning my teeth because the standard 60 min appointment I booked wasn’t enough.
For context, I brush properly, floss daily, use interdental brushes, and generally do everything I’ve ever been told to do. Yet I still had a significant amount of buildup that apparently needed professional removal.
The treatment cost me roughly £100 (with no insurance). It included one of those airflow/powder cleaning systems that removes plaque and staining. Out of curiosity, I looked into getting the same treatment near where I live in the UK and was quoted over £300.
I know people love making jokes about British teeth, and before moving here I laughed at them too. But after experiencing both systems, I honestly feel sorry for people who don’t have the money to pay privately or the option of travelling abroad for treatment.
To me dental health is still healthcare. Preventative care shouldn’t be a luxury. It shouldn’t only become accessible once there’s already a problem.
Maybe I’ve just had poor experiences? I’ve been registered with two practices over the years and the one I stayed with have a new NHS dentist every 2-3 years. Maybe I’ve completely misunderstood how hygienists are used in the UK? But being told for years that I didn’t need a hygienist, only to end up needing a 90 min deep clean when I finally saw one, feels mildly infuriating.
Am I missing something here? I truly don’t understand how I was being gaslit by multiple dentists over the years into thinking my teeth were in fabulous shape.
UKStudentHustle@reddit
I need help with this same issue
BishopsHat@reddit
I had a great private dentist that retired and their advise to me on finding a new dentist was to make sure they have a dedicated hygienist, so it's definitely something you should look for even if you have to pay privately for that.
I don't believe it's usual to get appointments with a dedicated hygienist under the NHS, though their treatments will cover scaling when clinically necessary but not for cosmetic purposes.
My current dentist has both NHS and private patients. I'm private and get a dedicated hygienist appointment but the dentist themselves scales my daughter's teeth as necessary at her NHS dental checkup.
They'll get paid the same amount to do the minimum necessary as they would to do a full scale and polish under the NHS, so you'll get the bare minimum, unless you go private at least for the hygienist appointment.
potato_face1234@reddit
You have an NHS dentist?
EntertainerPresent88@reddit
I went to an NHS dentist for years - the dentist spent about 4 minutes tops looking at my teeth and never recommended a hygienist. I recall it costing me around £40 and always felt like they can’t have really checked anything!
I decided to try out a private dentist and see how it compared. I now get a full 30 minutes dedicated to checking my teeth with the dentist, with 2-yearly X-rays, and a full 30 minutes with the hygienist. It’s much more expensive (maybe £70 ish for each appt) but they actually take the time to check properly and help me manage tricky wisdom teeth issues etc.
I honestly feel like it’s worth the money and I trust my teeth are now actually looked after, whereas I felt the NHS dentists just want to make a quick buck for a few minutes work and then have their private practice on the side.
britilix@reddit
NHS dentists aren't making a quick buck unfortunately, they get paid the same if you need one filling or 26 - it's an issue with the system that means they need to make up the time and money somewhere.
If a patient looks in good condition, give them a quick check and off they go...
The reason noone can find an NHS dentist anymore is exactly because of the above - NHS compensation rates for dentists is garbage.
Id pay more for my NHS treatments if it meant more places where available and the NHS dentists could dedicate proper time to every patient!
SpiritedGuest6281@reddit
Yep. I finally got an NHS dentist after many years of trying needed 3 fillings. Which meant 3 appointments so the dentist could get paid properly. If he did them all in one go, he would only get paid one fee, so booked them each seperately so he could actually afford to do them.
Few-Leave-8786@reddit
In my home area it was bad 25 years ago but better now at least for getting an appointment even if treatment isn't as good.
I remember around 27 years ago (that makes me feel old) our dentist went private only, the signs were there though as I remember going in one time, over a hour early as we lived in a village, and right when my appointment was due a man in a suit arrives says he is 2 hours late as he had a last minute emergency, he is literally rushed in, spends over 30 minutes in there and shakes the dentists hand as he walks out, I was waiting another 30 minutes, and there was no other people waiting either when I arrived or when I left.
Same dentist though we did complain when my mum needed a tooth out, she was in pain and he whacked the back of her head to get it out, the complaint was upheld by whomever we reported it to and he removed my entire family from his list of patients.
Went a few years without a dentist due to that.
lost_send_berries@reddit
As I understand it we don't really need x rays absent any pain or issues. It is just to make you feel like you are getting your money's worth.
Hygienist is more debatable as it's a cosmetic improvement.
EntertainerPresent88@reddit
I can’t say I entirely agree. I have issues with wisdom teeth, so they are a necessity for me, sure. But they also use the X-rays to monitor decay if you happen to have impacted teeth - my husband only had some decay noticed because of the X-rays, and it would have been so much more serious if it had gone unnoticed. So it’s been worth having the X-rays.
Hygienists help with cleaning yes, but it’s a preventative measure. The impact of poor cleaning is gum disease / receding gums. So again, I can’t personally say it’s cosmetic only. It’s for the health of your teeth.
littlerabbits72@reddit
I think it's a bit of a lottery. I use an NHS dentist, my appointment usually lasts around 20 mins, I get a full check, a descale and polish each time and it costs £27.90 which is the standard Band 1 dental fee in Scotland.
mrggy@reddit
My NHS dentist is similar. They clean my teeth every time I go in.
I used to live in the US, where dental care comes with a bunch of bells and whistles and honestly, it was a pretty similar standard of care as I get here, just less efficient with lots of time waiting for people to come in.
Here, the dentist and their assistant (hygenist?) are already in the room together when I arrive and they move quickly and efficiently as a team, so I'm in a out pretty quick.
I'm a bit confused by what OP means about a separate hygienist appointment
No_Factor_1269@reddit
I think in england scale and polish costs extra. At least at my dentist
messymedia@reddit
I was quoted £75 for a hygienist appointment the other day, NHS dentist. Can't afford that right now unfortunately.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
It’s included in band 1 if clinically needed ie there is gingivitis. If you have a bit of calculus but no inflammation then it would be private with the hygienist.
Honestly dentists are shite at cleaning teeth ( I say this as a dentist) you are far better off paying a hygienist to do it properly.
gs198610@reddit
Same for me in England. I have an appointment every 6 months and X-rays once a year on the NHS. My dentist does change frequently though but I’ve had my current one for a few years now.
Great-Big-3101@reddit
I had a colleague who claimed his private UK dentist was great and he was told there were no issues with his teeth. His teeth were full of plaque.
FreshMontrealer12@reddit
I used to have the same as you, 3 minutes in and out and then found out my work covered dental and ended up being able to have check up, cleaning and x rays same as you for like £50 a trip. Was more than happy to pay that
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
Whst city is the dentist in?
Johnlenham@reddit
I got to a similar sounding one and it's in Bristol.
Honestly the real reason I moved is because I can go online right now and book an appointment for tomorrow.
In my old one you'd get some ass time, 2 months from now. Then you'd still be charged £70 for a hygienist, so why bother when I can pay £88 and have it instantly
SpiritedGuest6281@reddit
Hygienist is not covered by NHS dentistry, so is an expense many do without.
flosiraptor@reddit
My dentists (private and NHS) have recommended seeing a hygienist for as long as I can remember. I go about once a year and so does everyone in my family.
twospoons11@reddit
Dentist only wants to see me once a year (£27.90) but recommends the hygienist twice a year (latest price £77 a time), who usually spends about 10 minutes on my teeth…..
ZaphodG@reddit
People seem to be missing that the important part of regular visits to a hygienist is to prevent gum disease, not decay.
KeithLimePie@reddit
Needs saying this that gum disease is also genetic, and unfortunately even tho I always get complimented on my dental hygiene, my gums are now shrinking 😂
Twitters001@reddit
Yeah, a hygienist will remove tartar from your teeth which you cannot do just brushing or cleaning at home. Tartar is hardened plaque that basically acts as a giant trap for bacteria on your teeth.
Alive_Comment_2086@reddit
The hygienist before covid was £45 for 15 minutes I think now it is £75-£110
niteninja1@reddit
I see the hygienist 4 times a year.
Dreadlock_Princess_X@reddit
Dentistry here is crazy expensive.
Kukotzki@reddit
I go privately to an Eastern European country too and get a full professional clean twice a year or maybe even more often. A session includes cleaning my teeth behind gum line, airflow and then they brush my teeth with a special paste. I love the afterwards feeling. My mouth feels so fresh and my teeth are so polished. It costs about £100. Totally worth it considering prevention of gum disease.
beeg33bee@reddit
I went to a hygienist for the first time at 30 years old. Paid £70 for them to spend less than 5 minutes cleaning my teeth. Decided that wasnt worth the money and never went back.
ragin_undertaker29@reddit
I see hygienist ever 6 months, along with regular check-up also 6 monthly.
Std clean is approx. £50 Airflow is approx. £100 I believe cheaper NHS clean is circa £24 last time I done it but since I do Invisalign, I opt for private for more thorough cleaning.
Based in Scotland
Royal-Tea-3484@reddit
Due to the cost, if you're poor, you don't tend to focus on teeth i mean you brush, etc but you don't get cleaned or whatever. If you do see a dentist, it's usually due to a tooth emergency abbess breaks cavitys etc or false teeth fitting, or more serious conditions. Of course, people can go private. Many do save and go private or go abroad, Turkey etc., but most in the uk dont have a dentist that dose more that check i mean a 5 min glance braces dont really exist here either that s why so many imperfect teeth here its just if you can use them and there in resonable condition they will do although newer gens are more demanding of dentists now so i guess in future many will save and see private dentists
; I
HellPigeon1912@reddit
34 years old and I went to one for the first time in my life this year, so there are definitely some of us out here never visiting them
max1304@reddit
56 and I’ve never been, although my current NHS dentist has suggested it (perhaps as she’s Swedish!)
theNixher@reddit
Did you notice a difference after?
TookMeHours@reddit
I had the same experience as the other commenter. £70 and there was fuck all difference. Never again.
HellPigeon1912@reddit
Not at all
reader270@reddit
I go to a private dentist now because it’s not that much more than the NHS charges and I can actually get an appointment with them easily. I get two airflow cleans a year which are about £70 each time so I’ve no idea why you were quoted £300!
box-o-locks@reddit
Last time I went to the hygienist, she asked why I'd booked in as there was nothing for her to do. She polished my teeth and said not to bother for at least a couple of years.
That was about 5 years ago. Went to the dentist recently and he said I had no plaque and no need to see the hygienist.
If you look after your teeth, it seems there's no need.
SatchSaysPlay@reddit
The UK actually has excellent dental health, according to the DMFT index it ranks 4th in the world and much higher than France.
daern2@reddit
Indeed. Higher than the USA too. Fake teeth that glow like headlights do not equate to good dental health...
mothsugar@reddit
the US issue is compounded by the disparity over there - headlight teeth people may well have healthy gnashers, but for every one of them there's two people who can't afford to see a dentist at all
AdaptedMix@reddit
I hadn't realised this. Double-checked, and you're right. Quoting this dental website:
With the rankings as follows (specifically for OECD countries):
Mr_Bumcrest@reddit
I can't afford it
TrustVisual1394@reddit
I didn't really know what a dental hygienist is. Ive never been recommended one and I don't know anyone who has been to one afaik. Whenever people talk about their teeth or dentistry, no one has ever brought one up. It wouldn't occur to me to go to one. I'd want my teeth professionally cleaned before my wedding but I thought that just happened at the dentist tbh
Briggsy16@reddit
Yeah I've only ever heard of dental hygienists on Reddit.
justbrowsing3519@reddit
This is wild to me as a dual US/UK citizen who has mostly lived in the US. “Going to the dentist” (every 6 months) = having the hygienist clean your teeth, x rays if due, and then the dentist having a quick look. You only ever just see the dentist if you had some sort of dental issue they were diagnosing or fixing.
Briggsy16@reddit
I go to the dentist every 6 months and they usually give me a scale and polish as that’s included within the first band for an NHS appointment. So maybe they’re doing what a hygienist usually would? Think I have an x ray once a year too.
Swimming_Possible_68@reddit
Yep. That's what I get. Dentist inspects teeth, asks if I want a scale and polish. I say yes. Does all the scraping and that malarkey.
Once a year does an x-ray.
Sounds like some people have NHS dentists who are really taking the piss.
Able_Impression1433@reddit
I’ve not been able to get an NHS dentist in the last few years and I stopped trying. But even when I’ve gone private, a check up never included cleaning in the UK. It’s standard in my home country but I’ve always had to book a separate hygiene appointment here.
justbrowsing3519@reddit
Yes, this sounds like what our hygienists do.
Isgortio@reddit
The hygienist would clean your teeth, it's a separate appointment to seeing the dentist.
Flat_News_2000@reddit
They can be the same appointment, you'd just get your cleaning done first then the dentist would come in.
wedontneednoeduc@reddit
Probably varies by area and by the business you are going to. My NHS dentist is part of a ruthless chain who love to talk to you are cosmetic worries if you tick those boxes on the form as they want to make money, which in turn means definitely no scale and polish. It's a nice cross sell to refer you to the hygienist whose prices seem to always have jumped up.
MoleWhackSupreme@reddit
If you’re not in absolute poverty in the UK I always recommend private dentistry
daern2@reddit
I'm afraid that this is the reality. I've been private on teeth for over 20 years now. See hygienist every 6 months, and dentist annually. I am not the most diligent at oral hygiene, but the twice-yearly cleans keep things in check and my teeth remain in 100% condition after 50-odd years, with still not a filling in sight!
However people choose to do it, definitely don't neglect your teeth. They are too important to ignore.
Personal_Analyst5032@reddit
Well my NHS dentist almost immediately wants me to cough up an extra £80 for a hygienist appointment as soon as my ass hits that NHS chair, and I am barely in there enough time for her to get the words out (unless of course she can rack up an Xray for good measure). I tell her to her face private hygienists are way too expensive and I'm an NHS patient and if a cleaning is clinically indicated it should be provided as part of my NHS care. It does not go down well and each time I expect to get booted off her NHS list. I'm sure other customers are much more lucrative.
Wizard_Tea@reddit
Haven't been to a dentist in 15 years. Can't find an NHS one and can't afford to go private. If something hurts I'll drink some brandy and pull it out with pliers.
Upper_Paramedic_2043@reddit
My dentist always recommends it but only because it costs about £70. In the old days it was a part of a regular checkup at no additional cost
Crochetqueenextra@reddit
My last one was £98 after a lifetime of going twice a year I'm now going every 9 months I can't afford £196 a year for the hygienist. She said if I drop to yearly I'll have to pay extra as it takes longer fucking charlatans
Upper_Paramedic_2043@reddit
Exactly. I’m not starting on that slippery slope
andycoates@reddit
I've had it done as part of a regular check up, but equally have had to pay for the tier 2 check up, that's the £70 one and it's weird because i absolutely had it worse when it's been done for free. Same dentist and everything
Old_Bluebird_3937@reddit
..recommends it because you "need" it!
No-Problem-1354@reddit
I was well into adulthood and having to pay for most dental treatments before I found out about hygienists. I go at least twice a year and they do a good job although it does feel a bit like a torture session while I am there 🤪
AfraidGoose@reddit
Eh, I went the other month because i thought "ten years without seeing a dentist is a bit much" and got told that my teeth are perfect, no cavities or anything, but did need a cleaning.
Some people have worse luck/ genetics than others, I have my dad's teeth. Wonky, crowded and a bit yellow, but very very strong. My mother on the other hand has very white teeth, but frequently needs fillings and the like.
If you're not inclined to dental issues I don't see anything wrong with not going unless you have an issue you've noticed.
username994743@reddit
NHS will do everything to fob you off. This is not just dentistry. Its literally how their protocols are written. The only answer is to go private.
EmFan1999@reddit
It’s because you have an NHS dentist. A private one says to go annually
WheresWalldough@reddit
It didn't used to be like that. Before Tony Blair destroyed NHS dentistry dentists used to give much more attention to patients.
EmFan1999@reddit
It’s all I’ve known. My NHS dentists were crap. My private one gives me proper care and not just the most basic cheap treatment
antimathematician@reddit
I pay a monthly fee for my dentist which gets me two dental checks and two hygienist appts a year plus some X-rays if needed.
My hygienist says I’m doing a great job with brushing but my god I can always feel the difference afterwards.
I always saw a dentist and got my teeth regularly cleaned as a kid, probably because my parents have fillings due to poor dental care when they were young. So it’s just habit now.
superiner@reddit
Private will want to make you go as often as possible since you’re paying. You def don’t need to go every 6 months unless you have some recurring problems
bix_box@reddit
It depends on your teeth shape, how they sit in your mouth, and genetics if you need to see one frequently or not. Some people just don't build plaque as bad as others even with frequent brushing and flossing. Or maybe you have some tricky spots that just aren't able to get flushed out by your own brushing or flossing. It really depends.
SparklingDolphin56@reddit
I grew up in the UK and lived there for 30 years and I saw a hygienist every 6-12 months. You do t need a recommendation - just make an appointment.
hutchyconquerer@reddit
This is why people in the UK have horrendous teeth. Like fuck, people can see it.
ConstantBewildered@reddit
This is an American stereotype because they're used to bleached white teeth and veneers for cosmetic purposes. They only think natural looking teeth is a British thing because that's the next most common thing they see.
xdbojacx@reddit
Yes, and those treatments can and often do cause serious damage to teeth, which doesn't sit well with medical ethics. It sits well with profit seeking though.
HTD_Blog@reddit
The UK has some of the healthiest teeth in the world, though? Jumps between 1st and 3rd position or something like that.
Shot_Net3794@reddit
On the DMFT Index, we rank 0.8 (zero is the best), which is on the same level as Sweden.
Denmark, Germany and Finland do better than us while Canada, the US and France do worse than us
HTD_Blog@reddit
So, 4th or 5th in the world.
The 'best' score is 0.4.
hutchyconquerer@reddit
Those limey chompers need fixing
Whole_Method_2972@reddit
i don’t even ask, i just book it every six months.
by the way, i go to an expensive dentist in fulham and the hygienist costs £150, £300 sounds insane.
Prestigious_Flan8035@reddit
We are famously known of bad teeth
collapsedcuttlefish@reddit
NHS are not interested in anything that isnt an absolute emergency, and will always go with the cheapest option possible (which is usually no service). Soon as you go private they will recommend seeing a hygienist every 3-6 months.
wedontneednoeduc@reddit
I suspect some of it is deliberate to bump as many people over to private options where they can. For example, offering a crown that looks like Jaws in 007 would want vs a white one when the purchase price wholesale is probably similar.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
Sadly the government doesn’t pay for prevention
StudentGlum9864@reddit
You have the benefit of outside experience. Unless Brits live abroad, they will assume the standard of dental treatment in the UK is completely normal and fine.
snavej1@reddit
About 3 or 4 years ago, dentists stopped cleaning teeth. The law was changed. Now, you have to use a hygienist or else let the plaque build up.
PreferenceAnxious449@reddit
NHS jobs don't make them a lot of money. They can charge whatever they want for cleanings, and get to keep all the money.
They will push as many cleanings as possible, because that turns a customer from pennies into pounds on the balance sheet.
AnnieByniaeth@reddit
My dentist always pushes it. I actually gave way and booked in for an appointment last year. A quick descale (which wasn't very necessary), and told how to use incidental brushes, given two of the most expensive brand to take home. And I've been using interdential brushes for years and the size they picked for me was too small anyway.
It really is a bit of a con to make more money for the practice. Sure it's good to have a descale from time to time, but that shouldn't cost £95.
Isgortio@reddit
Tepe brushes are just a standard one which the majority of other brands will follow in terms of sizing and colour. Most practices tend to have them as they're the leading brand. You don't need to buy that particular brand, it's the size that's important.
Some just give everyone the smallest size to get them used to the idea of cleaning between the teeth, others go through every size in every space (and then patients complain that they've left with 7 different sizes to buy!).
Gum health absolutely is not a con, unless you want periodontitis and the fun that goes along with it (recession, bad breath, wobbly teeth, teeth falling out, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, plus other conditions still being linked).
AnnieByniaeth@reddit
But I use inter dentals regularly anyway. I've been doing it for many years, before when most people knew what they were. She gave me a 0.4 and a 0.5 mm. I normally use a 1mm, sometimes a 0.8 mm. Never less than that though because it just doesn't do the job. I gained nothing out of the appointment except for a descale, and that shouldn't cost £95.
wildeaboutoscar@reddit
I went once and they made me bleed, it hurt and cost a lot. I would rather just spend the money on fixing the problema rather than that if it's going to be an additional charge.
Elysiumthistime@reddit
This thread is wild to me. I grew up in Ireland but live in Northern Ireland now (so technically the UK as much as it pains me to write) and have been having my teeth cleaned regularly by a hygienist since I was around 10/11. I'm 32 now and I go once a year to the hygienist and once every 2 years to the dentist, privately. Usually I leave the dentist feeling like I got robbed because he just looks and gives me the all clear (outside of when my wisdom teeth needed to come out) but I love going to the hygienist, my teeth always feel super clean and any of the plague build up I can't remove with flossing will be gone.
Icy_Reception9719@reddit
I go to a private dentist and get both check-up and hygienist, it costs about the same - £100 without insurance. It's a bit of a postcode lottery, but it's certainly not the case that it's a) not normal to see a hygeinist (nothing is normal about NHS dentistry) or b) prohibitively expensive beyond European counterparts.
Honest_Bathroom_2926@reddit
I see a hygienist regularly well semi regularly. My mum who has gum disease and missing teeth (plate) never took me to one as a child and does not go herself. I told her to go to one regularly and she told me it was a scam. I think there is a negative cultural attitude towards dentistry generally and the hygienist.
Playful_Beyond_2218@reddit
That’s shame as her gum disease will jsut get worse. Could you at least encourage her to start using a water flosser? They are good for gum disease
Honest_Bathroom_2926@reddit
I know, it’s awful. I did have a water glosser myself before I just started using normal floss but she never seemed interested. It’s like she isn’t interested in changing her attitude regardless of how much suffering her teeth are causing her. I can bring it up again. The water flossers are easier to use than manual flossing.
Playful_Beyond_2218@reddit
Yes it’s really sad. Maybe she could try the floss picks after meals as an alternative ? I like to do this as I’m less tired than in the evenings
ChocolateSnowflake@reddit
My NHS dentist does a clean and scale and polish every check up.
I don’t book a separate visit.
Some_Description_273@reddit
I didn't see one when I used NHS dentists. Now I see a hygienist every 6 months alongside my dentist appointment. I probably got to my early 30s before I saw a hygienist.
ioapwy@reddit
I go to for a check up once a year and hygienist once a year, so every 6 months or so. NHS dentist surgery for both
Playful_Beyond_2218@reddit
I agree nhs dentists aren’t always very clear about things. Imho even if you have an nhs dentist it’s a good idea to pay for a hygeinist cleaning 1-2 times a year. It’s their speciality so they tend to do a better job than a dentist and are also more focused on things like teaching proper flossing technique and assessing gum health. I also encourage everyone to brush and floss twice daily, use an electric toothbrush, and fluoride toothpaste. Sip water regularly during the day and avoid surgary drinks and foods
afishinacloud@reddit
My dentist always recommends it even though they say I’m doing a good job with my brushing/cleaning. Hygienists just have much better equipment to do a thorough job, so it needs doing once a year at least.
mewkitty91@reddit
Is a dentist not a hygienist?. I thought they were the same. I see my dentist every 3 months for a checkup and clean
Thetiz316@reddit
Yes, it is unfortunately normal, a combination of impossible to get an NHS appointment and in London private hygiene costs c. £100!
yespoe@reddit
I brush regularly, floss, and generally do my best despite many cavities due to persistent dry mouth from one of my conditions. I've only been sent to the hygienist once, because I forgot to floss before my morning appointment and they weren't happy with the level of cleanliness of my teeth. Felt pretty crappy about it but now I make sure I floss before the appointment and they don't send me to the scary lady in the broom cupboard (tiniest office I've ever seen)
Navc4me@reddit
I go to the hygienist every 6 months, dentist always asks me or suggests going every 6-12 months
thewildblue77@reddit
I've been to the dentist once since I turned 18...Im now 49. My teeth and gums are in good order, I brush twice a day, dont smoke, teeth arent stained. I floss periodically as required. I dont eat an excessive amount of sugar.
I was in my mid 30s when I went for that visit and at that drinking lots of grapefruit juice...dentist said all is good, just keep an eye on enamel erosion...so I did.
I did chip a tooth very slightly in my early 20s, so I just filed down the rough edge. I also had a bit of gum start to catch on a wisdom tooth in my 20s also...so that was solved with some floss used like a saw to cut the gum back. Bit of blood, loads of mouthwash...problem solved.
I had fischer? seals put in my molars as a young teen and these are lasting well.
TomatoChomper7@reddit
Yes it’s normal here. Stereotypes often stem from truth.
Typical_Badger5172@reddit
whats a dentist
Amazing-Move-8418@reddit
I’m in Wales and been going to the same dentist for many years.We were always offered a dental hygienist appointment .
wumple_silkskin@reddit
I go every 6 months as have basic dental insurance (pressured to get as nhs dentist difficult to find and regular dental troubles meant paying a lot more). Caffeine etc stains the teeth so don’t think regular cleaning would help.
_THUNDERUP_@reddit
I moved from England to America, and within a very short period of time got all my teeth issues fixed, including some of the crappy work UK dentists had done, all paid for by insurance. Even got a few implants done, again covered by insurance and top notch work. Yet another reason why America is the best country on the planet 😃🇺🇸🇬🇧
Super_Ground9690@reddit
I see a hygienist every 6 months, but it’s private and I pay for it (well, my employer does through insurance). I don’t think NHS dentists will send you to see a hygienist unless your teeth are all about to fall out, so if you can afford it I’d recommend seeing one privately at least once a year.
tb5841@reddit
Dentistry in the UK has gone completely to shit. 30 years ago it wasn't like this, dentistry was good.
Jazzlike-Shine1452@reddit
Scale and polish can be done by your dentist if they deem that you need it, ie if its "clinically necessary" so at your dentists discretion. In my experience, you can just ask your dentist to do a clean for you at your checkup and they usually do it. Technically, it comes under the band 1 charge and is included in your checkup but majority of people dont need it. Depends on your dentist though, some practices are very diligent and offer a clean to every single one of their exam appointments. Other practices do not. Depending on your gum health, the dentist can do a deeper clean to help with gingivitis/periodontitis, which takes multiple sessions and costs the NHS band 2 charge £76.60. They usually would refer you to a hygienist though and are reluctant to do cleans themselves because hygienists do cleans day in day out and its their bread and butter.
TooMuchBrightness@reddit
I’m a private patient, I see hygienist every 6 months. I think it’s weird not to get a regular clean & polish.
Normal-Associate6788@reddit
My assumption would be that it's not great for the microbiome of your mouth so is only suggested when absolutely necessary
justbrowsing3519@reddit
This is wild to hear from a US perspective.
“Going to the dentist” = going there and having the hygienist clam your teeth, x rays if due, and the actual dentist taking a quick look/coming in for issues. This has been my experience my entire life (40s) across multiple states and maybe 6-8 practices.
Ok-Rain6295@reddit
I’ve only been to a hygienist once when my teeth had been a little neglected due to burn out and the dentist suggested it. I think it was about £65.
I would go again if I could afford it. Dental cleanliness is very important- even for your heart health!
Gloomy-Wishbone6055@reddit
I paid £50 last time to see one, even though the dentist said my teeth were fine. Won’t be doing it again.
terryturbojr@reddit
Dentists often do a scale and polish at the end themselves
Majestic_Cry8545@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I had that done previously. But it’s not the same as proper dental hygiene appointment.
fwendy123@reddit
can I ask what difference there is? I've never been to a hygienist before and this thread is making me realise I should probably get booked in!
DomBrown2406@reddit
They are more thorough and take more time. When a dentist cleans my teeth they spend about a minute tops. Hygienist appointment is a minimum of 20 minutes
fwendy123@reddit
wow I guess I'm lucky! my dentist always books me in for a follow up clean at no extra cost, he spends a good 20 minutes cleaning them!
DomBrown2406@reddit
I would hazard a good guess that your experience isn’t the norm 😅 Try to hold on to that dentist!
Majestic_Cry8545@reddit (OP)
From my experience scale and polish is usually a relatively basic clean. A hygienist appointment is a lot more comprehensive, thorough gum health checks, detailed assessment, airflow cleaning to remove stains and biofilm, photos of all your teeth before and after and personalised advice to help prevent issues. Honestly if you never been book yourself in, your teeth will feel SO clean. I just truly didn’t realise this is something I need to organise privately despite my NHS dentist saying I don’t need it.
Logical-Zucchini-310@reddit
I didn’t start hygienist appointments until I moved to Canada. I have appointments with hygienist every 4-6 months while I see the dentist once a year. In the UK I never had hygienist appointment but saw dentist every 4-6 months. Honestly, my mouth feels and looks a lot better here in Canada and when I look at what I’m paying through work benefits, it’s not outrageously expensive. If you can afford it, I’d recommend private over NHS.
octanet83@reddit
Yes but only because dentists don’t seem to do it any more.
NSWindow@reddit
I think £300 is too high for this even for London
You can see your own teeth, right?
Separate-Fig-5661@reddit
I pay £75 for a private hygienist clean and go 1-2 times a year but I’ve always just arranged that myself. Only had a dentist recommend once that I book in with hygienist.
snarkycrumpet@reddit
is there any scientific basis for this aggressive cleaning USA and other countries push?
Prudent_Fold3027@reddit
Basically if you’re poor in this country and by poor I mean average wage because, let’s be real. I’m a mental health nurse in the nhs on 29k a year. I cannot afford private dental care. The uk is a hell hole spiralling further and further down into despair. The future is bleak. Like so many others I also can’t afford to have children but that’s a a debate for another day. Give it 10 years and the entire health care system will be privatised and anyone close to minimum wage will suffer tremendously and ironically that will include the majority of nhs nursing staff because the pay is ABHORRENT. What do you mean I have to care for 18 patients alone on just a quid more than minimum wage - oh and if someone dies that’s entirely my fault not that fact that the service is running on skeleton staff and inadequate resource. I wish I knew before I did my degree that I wouldn’t be able to make enough money to have a decent life. My NHS trust are also advertising a role for non clinical staff - 32k a year to film video content for TikTok…. That’s more than I get paid and I actually do something of use, like save people’s lives. But hey what’s does it matter? I’m just a working class person from the north of England. Argh sorry for the outburst, I just get so triggered when I see people non chalantly comment things such as “well I pay £20 a month for a private dentist and I’m fine” or “well don’t go to an nhs dentist” blah blah privilege blah! It amazes me how ignorant well paid humans can be towards the lower classes. What don’t you understand about the fact that we cannot afford this!!!!!! Even when we work stupidly long hours and try our best you’ll still have some moron thinking it’s somehow our fault. Like yep, I chose to be a skint poor bastard… Look if I knew when I was a lot younger that being a crazed megalomaniac was the only way to get by in life I would have chosen a selfish moronic career that is worthless but makes money (see the worlds richest list and tell me I’m wrong *cough looking at you Elon.) We are (as the kids say) COOKED.
Hope your teeth stay healthy though and thanks to Ryanair, a flight to Prague is cheaper than my return train ticket to work so maybe if I save up enough I can get affordable dental care there xox
Sideways-Sid@reddit
I received check-up, scale & polish with the same NHS dentist for years.
After he went private, he asked if I wanted to see his new hygienist, obviously at extra cost.
I replied that whilst surprising that he had never mentioned a hygienist under NHS, but that I trusted his excellent professional judgement unconditionally, and if there was a clinical need for me to see one, I would.
He confirmed there was no clinical or medical need, and has done the scale & polish with each check-up ever since.
Maleficent-Win-6520@reddit
It’s another way to make more money from the patient. The job of a hygienist was a duty done by the dentist themselves until a few years ago.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
Dental hygienists have been a thing for over 100years lol
Maleficent-Win-6520@reddit
Yet my dentist used to do that job as part of normal check ups.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
Then the government decided to fuck all dentists over with the contract reform.
Also dentists always do a shit job at cleaning. No time for it. Got more advanced things to be doing. This is why hygienists exist.
Orpduns91@reddit
I got Insvisalign privately a few years ago and ended up moving/staying at my current practice rather than stay at my previous NHS one as I felt the service and care was SO much better. I get regular hygienest appointments here vs none before, its £95 a pop so not cheap but worth it as my dental health has never been better
jaiunchatparesseux@reddit
I go to a private dentist in the UK and I get dental hygiene cleans twice a year. I have no idea what NHS appointments would cover as I never was able to get a NHS dentist. Each cleaning is about £100.
Oversteer_@reddit
One potential reason could be if the hygienist will make more money doing private appointments than they do from NHS appointments that would remove any incentive to push them.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
Majority of hygienists (like 99%) don’t work on the nhs as the government doesn’t want to fund preventative care
AnneKnightley@reddit
I see my dentist twice a year and she always does a scale and polish. She’s private now but it’s £100 per visit which isn’t too bad comparatively though I miss the £20 visits lol.
Flapparachi@reddit
I am a private dental patient. I pay £15 a month, and for that I get 6-monthly visits to the hygienist and checkups amongst other things. The appointments are usually back-to-back so that my dentist is looking into a clean mouth!
llliiisss@reddit
Is that offered by the practise itself or is it like a Bupa/insurance thing?
Flapparachi@reddit
It’s through the practice itself. I also get free x-rays and discounted dental work if I need anything done.
Kooky_Craft123@reddit
I pay £29 a month for a dentist payment plan and it's worth it
llliiisss@reddit
Which one may I ask?
Kooky_Craft123@reddit
Mydentist, but there will be lots of local practices offering similar payment plans
BlueBecky@reddit
My NHS dentist always recommends it and I go every 6 months.
I recently switched to airflow cleaning and went for my second visit yesterday. My dentist charges £99 for airflow treatment and that is a fully private treatment.
fallen_angel_81@reddit
I see one every 6 months for a scale and polish
Altruistic_Cress_700@reddit
I spoke to my dentist about this and it's age related.
Apparently, as you get older, the makeup of your saliva changes (more mineral content) and the surface of the teeth changes, meaning that there are more deposits. Beyond tarter building up.
When I was young, I didnt get any build-up. I never saw a hygienist before I was 35 and my teeth are rock solid (no fillings and no teeth lost). By young I mean before I was late 30s. Now in 50s I need to go every couple of years for a clean - note not 90mins. It's about 20.
With the right brushing and flossing you can mostly avoid it (according to the dentist), but some mineral deposits are almost impossible to prevent as you get older.
I was asking because my kids are late teens and my dentist said that it shouldn't be necessary for a long time yet for them (because of the above).
KeysonM@reddit
This isn’t strictly true. Some people yes have very little plaque build up but there are others who need cleaning regularly (like every 3/6 months) due to heavy plaque build. Main factors are genetics, diet, lifestyle choices, and your oral health routine.
Delicious_Aside_9310@reddit
UK DMFT rank 4th, Czech Republic ranked outside the top 10. Maybe you’re just getting scammed for unnecessary services.
ughhhhhhhhhh69@reddit
I can’t even get an appointment
diggerorbigger@reddit
I’ve never been to a hygienist (currently 42). After a long break of not going, I have now been having 6-monthly check ups with the dentist for about 4 years and she has not once suggested it. I will ask next time!
No_Way_8251@reddit
No, it’s not just you. I went to German dentists all my life and also got my orthodontics done in Germany. While at uni in the UK my plastic retainer broke and rather than wait until I went home to get it fixed I went to a local orthodontist. She asked me where I had my teeth done and I said Germany. She answered by saying, I can tell. You don’t get this level of work in the Uk.
Then she called the staff on duty to come look in my mouth and see (I quote) “the German work”. Meanwhile I never get compliments like this back home!!!
WhatamiDOING335@reddit
I’m on NHS and I have never been to the hygienist, never had a cavity or gum disease so I don’t see the point tbh, I do get a bit of a cleaning done on my lower teeth by the dentist every other appointment but that’s under the standard NHS cost
Worth_Kangaroo_6900@reddit
Always have hygienist every 6 months pre regular check up. Very lucky to have a fantastic nhs gp. Not everyone does. It’s also pretty expensive and a private service so also depends on whether they have access to one but would also depend on the type of practice, think many but not all depend on private patients to keep service going.
PeterG92@reddit
Hygenist twice a year. Always hate it when it comes up but at least it is over quickly
buy_me_a_pint@reddit
I only seen a dental hygienist once when I was nine to have that Fluoride varnish put on my teeth etc
My dental gives me a good cleaning each time , polish etc if needed
Appropriate_Log1654@reddit
I go every 6 months - I do pay monthly for private treatment rather NHS and it's included, as well as 2 check-ups.
tumshy@reddit
It’s not part of a routine check up but nothing is stopping you from booking an appointment with the hygienist.
DiscoDoberman@reddit
I've never seen one.
I didn't even know it was a thing till my dentist went private and hired one. I got free appts on my practice plan membership...which never happened cause the hygienist quit and then it was just never discussed again.
sgehig@reddit
Not sure how it reduces workload, you're meant to see both, not just the hygienist.
DiscoDoberman@reddit
Welp, no extra care for me.
Isgortio@reddit
Are you paying for the plan still? If they don't have a hygienist then the dentist should be doing the clean for you.
VegetableWorry1492@reddit
Maybe if the dentist only does dental work, but doesn’t do the clean & polish. At the clinic I go to the dentist doesn’t do clean & polish, that’s what the hygienist is for. It’s cheaper and she’s better at it since it’s her thing.
sgehig@reddit
Yes, but you wouldn't not go to the dentist because you have a polish this year, right?
VegetableWorry1492@reddit
Yep, but the dentist appointments would be quicker if they didn’t do the cleaning.
Marzipan_civil@reddit
I grew up in UK, NHS dentists and private dentists, never got suggested a hygienist appointment until I moved to Ireland. Perhaps it's different now but there were very few hygienists in UK in the 90s and early 2000s
Curious_Gosling@reddit
I'd never heard of a hygienist until my Wife was forced to go private. Always assumed it was a scam to cream more money from the patient. My NHS dentist always cleans and removes plaque if required, although that's rarely now that I've learned how to floss properly.
HeartyBeast@reddit
My dentist does a pretty thorough clean as part of my standard appointment - about 15 minutes and tells me all is good.
kitknit81@reddit
I honestly don’t know how it works as an NHS patient as I went private years ago so I could ensure checks and treatment. My plan is for 6mthly dental checks and 6mthly hygenist appointments. Hate seeing the dentist (always had a fear of it) but I like the hygenist as I always come out feeling like my teeth are really clean and healthy.
Competitive-Fox1989@reddit
I've seen a hygienist for the first time this year after 17 years. And was told by her that there was nothing there to clean 🤷♀️
Isgortio@reddit
The NHS only does cleans if there is a clinical need, such as it causing gum issues. If it's cosmetic they won't do it. Airflow isn't included under the NHS as it's classed as cosmetic.
But, there are also some dentists who aren't very good at assessing gum health (I've seen this when nursing and when working as a dental therapist!), so unless people pay to see a hygienist privately they may end up not having a reversible gum issue treated until it becomes irreversible.
Ideally, everyone should see a hygienist at least once a year to prevent gum issues.
HugsandHate@reddit
Never asked. Never had it suggested. I go in every 6 months for a checkup (Well, mostly to stay on the NHS register. I feel awful for people who can't get a dentist.) And every time, they do their thing, and tell me I'm all good!
That'll do.
flyingpotatoesticks@reddit
Recommended every 6 months by my NHS dentist. But I stopped going hygienist as I have sensitive teeth and it makes them sooo bad for weeks after. Despite telling them. It feels like it’s damaging the enamel.
Don’t know if there’s a better way to do it without this pain, then I’d go again!
Creative_Rise@reddit
Mine does scale and polish twice a year.
Skymningen@reddit
My NHS always makes sure I do hygienist appointments - I usually have the hygienist and checkup one after the other twice a year. They even sometimes suggest 3-monthly hygienist appointments. Those cost 79£.
AutoModerator@reddit
It looks like you've written the pound sign (£) after the number 79, but it should be written before the number like this:
£79.^(I am an annoying bot, so please don't be offended.)
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
InspiringGecko@reddit
I see the hygienist twice a year.
HeverAfter@reddit
The NHS doesn't provide extras over and above what's needed. The reason our teeth have a bad reputation is because we provide basic care as and when needed. If you want more you have to pay for it so I guess no one does.
Shot_Net3794@reddit
The reason they have a bed reputation is because it's a Hollywood trope, most likely originating from US soldiers over here during WW2, just like the joke about French people not bathing
DTH2001@reddit
Plus the American idea is that fake, white Hollywood smile.
The UK, Turkey teeth aside, goes for more naturalistic nashers
Alarmed-Newspaper994@reddit
No the reason our teeth have a bad reputation is it's been an ongoing joke in American comedy for like 50 years, from back when people did have genuinely bad teeth. Nowadays British people have pretty good teeth, the "issue" is that we don't whiten them like the Americans do so the hilarious joke continues.
lovesorangesoda636@reddit
Getting a scale and polish or a deep clean very much depends on the dentist tbh. Mine will offer to book you in every 6 months if you want. The cleans are often purely for cosmetic reasons as if you need actual treatment it'll be handled differently.
Your best bet is to ask your Dentist why they've never offered a hygienist appointment. It could be that the dentist didn't feel you needed one medically but your dentist in Prague offered a cosmetic clean as part of their standard practice.
Its also worth noting that you can just book a private clean in the UK the same way you did in Prague.
unfurledgnat@reddit
I sacked the NHS dentist off and have been going to private one the last few years. This is after neglecting it completely and not going to a dentist for about 10 - 15 years.
When I see the dentist its not mandatory but seems almost expected that I'll also see the hygienist. I have no issues with this as my teeth are more looked after now than they ever were.
sleepyprojectionist@reddit
I moved for work back in 2019 and haven’t seen a dentist since then.
I have moved three times more since then and am yet to find an NHS dentist accepting patients.
acuteaddict@reddit
Who pays £300 for a hygienist. I paid £80 and got all my teeth cleaned. Still think that’s expensive.
EllieW47@reddit
I went yesterday, my dentist always recommends it but I generally feel torn as to whether I really need it or it is revenue generating (£79 for a 15 minute appointment).
I struggle to visualise what you are getting done that takes an hour though!
WonderfulJury8885@reddit
Seems to be a shortage of them, we always used to have 2 appointments now they say the dentist will clean your teeth, which is never as good.
ClearAsMuggle@reddit
Took me 20 years ro get NHS dentist and their hygienist visit is a £100
Unable-Object-8469@reddit
In Spain, I had a check up and a cleaning every six months. I paid for the check up, but the cleaning (done by the dentist) was free. The cleaning usually lasted 40 to 60 minutes.
Here in the UK, I don't even have a dentist lol. They are always full. At least you have an NHS dentist.
Before Covid, I used to see my old dentist in Spain whenever I went back. I should probably start doing that again when I go on holiday.
NHS dental care in the UK is very basic because dental care is treated as a luxury when it should be part of basic healthcare.
Silly-Tax8978@reddit
Who was that lady that was checking my teeth hygiene not 2 weeks ago?
zipitdirtbag@reddit
How strange.
I'm in the UK and have always been told to see the dentist and hygienist twice a year.
audigex@reddit
My whole family see a hygienist every 6 or 12 months
I couldn’t tell you whether that’s the standard or not as it’s not something I’d think to ask about much, but I’ve had friends casually mention a hygienist visit/appointment in conversation occasionally the same as a dental visit comes up occasionally, so it seems pretty normal
Counterpoint-4@reddit
My dentist sold out to a corporation and now they pester me almost weekly to see a hygienist despite the dentist I last saw saying I didn't need to. Despite the surgery's receptionist putting on my record it wasn't necessary so - I think it's their way of getting extra profit and if I mentioned the dentist's name who told me it wasn't necessary I think he would get a black mark.
peachesandcherries26@reddit
I’ve lived in the UK for longer than you have. I’ve always seen private dentists. I get a checkup and cleaning every 6 months. The NHS is amazing, but I would never seen an NHS dentist, they’re busy enough as it is and I love my private one.
VolcanicBear@reddit
It is in my experience.
No dentist has ever referred me to a hygienist.
VegetableWorry1492@reddit
I go to a private dentist and see the hygienist about once a year. She says I don’t need to go regularly, but as and when I want that super clean feeling again, as my teeth are good. I think it’s £25 for the appointment. I would think most people do see a hygienist too. My old dentist used to do annual checkup and clean & polish as a routine appointment package, but at the new clinic I go to those are separate appointments.
r-nicola@reddit
In Scotland - I get booked in for one every 6 months I think and it’s subsidised by the NHS so only costs about £20. Maybe different in England?
R3plica83@reddit
Most can't get into to an NHS dentist that have lived here all their lives crazy eh
MapTerrible4321@reddit
I’m with an NHS dentist. It was about £40 extra for the hygienist if I go within a few weeks of a checkup. I can then go longer between checkups. I‘m happy with that.
Urban-Bodhisattva@reddit
Didn't know it was a thing. I've not been to the dentist in over 20 years though. Not sure if I even still have one
Johnlenham@reddit
I actually only go to the hygienist now, it pisses me off to pay £55 to get pocked with a BPE probe for 5 mins and be told it's all fine.
I just book hygienist appointments now which are still fkin £80 but atleast I feel like something actually happened.
Though some practises cheap out and will only do a manual scale and charge extra for a proper one, really comes down to the practices
CrazyPlatypusLady@reddit
Mine stopped recommending it because he knows I can't afford it. Hygienist appointments aren't covered by HC2 certificate (full subsidised dental) which is what I'm on.
MovieRough5248@reddit
What stands out is the pricing difference. A £100 preventive treatment feels like routine healthcare. A £300 treatment starts feeling like a discretionary purchase. That may be the real cultural difference you are noticing. In some systems regular hygiene visits are normalized and affordable, while in the UK they often sit in an awkward space between essential healthcare and private cosmetic maintenance.
_isolati0n@reddit
I see an NHS dentist every 6 months and also get a scale and polish from the hygeinist every 6 months which costs less than £15 and they do a pretty good job. I was never recommended having this until I got permanent braces along the back of my teeth so unable to floss properly.
Curious-Anywhere8567@reddit
No, I see mine once a year or so. It’s £70ish. It must depend on your dentist
DameKumquat@reddit
I was told not to bother with a hygienist, until I was about 40 and got some minor problems.
At one point I was seeing her 3-monthly but now we're on top of things and I'm back to 6 months. £70 a throw, but it means not needing to pay the dentist as much (even at NHS rates).
Important-Stomach406@reddit
alitapie@reddit
I have an NHS dentist and no issues with my teeth. I have twice yearly visits, which take about 15 mins, and X rays every 2 years. The same practice also offers hygienist appointments for an additional charge and encourages everyone to have them. It all depends on your dentist. 3 years ago I had a root canal treatment that took 4 x 90 minute visits. All charged at the NHS rate.
Majestic-Employer780@reddit
What stands out is the pricing difference. A £100 preventive treatment feels like routine healthcare. A £300 treatment starts feeling like a discretionary purchase. That may be the real cultural difference you are noticing. In some systems regular hygiene visits are normalized and affordable, while in the UK they often sit in an awkward space between essential healthcare and private cosmetic maintenance.
TWHman1@reddit
I don’t have an NHS dentist but he does take NHS on sometimes and he always tells me to book my hygienist appointments at the same time as booking my check-ups. Also I only pay £85 per appointment with the hygienist including the air flow thing and all the bells and whistles
Rowanx3@reddit
I go every 6 months but only because i have a bupa smile plan and my mum works at a denist and pressures me to go, even at 26 i dont want to disappoint my mum.
Bupa smile plan covers two check ups, two xrays and two cleans a year then 10% off any major procedure. I think the dentist is a rip off and i look after my teeth very well because i dread having one day to wake up and choose to either be in pain until its really bad or drop £200+ on a tooth.
OptionalQuality789@reddit
I go to the hygienist every 6 months. It costs £80.
This sounds like your own experience and not other people’s.
ConstantBewildered@reddit
I think most people go to a hygienist quite regularly? In any case, there's a pretty clear motivation for the private clinic to upsell. Trusting them over multiple impartial dentists telling you your teeth are healthy doesn't seem sensible. You also describe the treatment as at least partly cosmetic, so health isn't the point either.
Did they give you the extra time for free or did you pay more for that?
NDita@reddit
My dentist recommended the hygienist after my first appointment. Been seeing her every 6 months for 4 years. I book my 6 monthly check up and my hygienist appointment straight after. My dentist encourages me to keep seeing the hygienist, the hygienist always asks me to come back in 6 months. Never thought much of it. It's £60 a pop, but a tenner a month to keep my tegs in check? Happy with it.
halftosser@reddit
NHS dentistry is no good.
Minimum hygienist should be twice a year. More if you have problems.
geoff_plywood@reddit
NHS dentistry is basic. My private place is £110 for a full cleanup with the soda-blast thing
idfk-bro123@reddit
I also go to an NHS dentist but mine suggests seeing the hygienist every year, even when my teeth are good, so I see the hygienist every single year. As does my entire family. Idk why anyone would not see them tbh, unless it's a financial issue which I'd understand.
Agitated_Camera_6198@reddit
It'll be because it's NHS. I never saw a hygienist either until I ended up having to get a private dentist because it's the only way to get seen anymore. And now they have me going to the hygienist every 3 months.
soulsteela@reddit
What’s that?
flummuxedsloth@reddit
I haven't seen a dentist nor a hygienist in my adult life. My teeth are fucked.
Think_Money_6919@reddit
You teeth likely didn’t qualify for the NHS cleaning but would have benefited from private cleaning. As an NHS patient and with cost of living etc. your dentist probably didn’t want to raise it with you in case you’re not able to afford it. Obviously if you asked about it and they said no that’s a different story.
rising_then_falling@reddit
300 is insane for a hygienist.
I pay 35 per month and that gets me two hygienist appointments and two dental exams w/ scale and polish each year. And that's in London!
Cheap_Sort_2481@reddit
i visit the hygienist twice a year, costs me about £60 or sometimes more.
Xaphios@reddit
My dentist said at my last checkup that he'd be happy to see me in 12-18 months rather than 6, but replace those next couple of appointments with dental hygenist ones instead.
I'm fully private for dentistry which probably makes a difference, had no NHS spots nearby and thankfully had a level of insurance through work for a few years which mostly covered fixing the work my previous NHS dentists had half-arsed.
Lau_kaa@reddit
I see the hygienist every 6 months at my NHS practice. Maybe you need to find a better dental practice.
timiny74@reddit
We go to private dentist, i think the hygienist does more than the dentist and they recommend seeing the dentist either every 6 months or annually depending on state of teeth!
trainpk85@reddit
I’m registered at a private dentist and an NHS one (for emergencies) and both tell me to see the hygienist after a check up. Coincidentally the private clinic charge £20 less than the NHS one for the cleaning. It’s £85 and I have it done twice a year.
Wrong--Conclusions@reddit
I suspect because they're an NHS dentist. I have go to a private dentist and they recommend hygienist every 6 months to a year. It's been the same at every practice I've been to.
lookhereisay@reddit
I’ve been once when I had to move from an NHS dentist (it booted us NHS off the books) to a private one. Paid £40 for it. After a year of being private I made it up the waitlist to NHS again. Haven’t been since.
My teeth are fine (touch wood). No fillings or anything like that. Just some wonky wisdom teeth removed.
Dentist said I can book separately but at the moment there’s no need.
atomic_mermaid@reddit
Mine offers it whenever I need it. I get one maybe every 6-12 months. Some check ups I don't need one, others she books me in. I'm not NHS though, haven't been able to get an NHS dentist since I left home for uni :(
OverTheCandlestik@reddit
I see my hygienist twice a year
Zubi_Q@reddit
I personally go every 6 months. It was 3 at start because I wasn't using those little brushes and my gums were bleeding a lot.
Nowadays, they look at it, say it's great and give it a standard clean. Costs me £75 a pop!
MojoMomma76@reddit
I go to the hygienist every six months. Everyone I know does?
Shot_Net3794@reddit
And some people you don't know don't
filipha@reddit
Don’t stay with a dentist just because he praises you, find one that’s on top of everything, including hygienist appointments. Normally they set it up to be seen by hygienist twice a year, if yours doesn’t, maybe ask them why.
Weak-Property4908@reddit
I never go to the dentist in the UK, the prices are ridiculous.
When we visit my in-laws in their home country, i just go to their family dentist. Probably costs 5-10x less for the same level of treatment.
Extreme-Dream-2759@reddit
With my NHS dentist. After every 6 monthly check up, I go into my Hygienist appointment immediately afterwards.
With my Wife's NHS dentist (different practice) she also get a Hygienist visit but only after any treatment is completed. So it is normally book for the week after her check up.
We are both paying about £45 for the Hygienist
OkHistorian9521@reddit
Never heard of that. Normally they try to sell you on seeing a hygeniest every time you see them, although they are fully booked for about 3 months usually.
Our health & dental services have declined rapidly so even if the british teeth stereotype was a misnomer before, it probably is true now
No_Eggplant_619@reddit
Definitely depends on the dentist. Mine does check-up once a year and hygienist every 6 months as standard, more frequently if they think you need it. Hygienist offers two levels of service, basic which is about £45 and the airflow/waterpik one for about £100.
Wide_Tune_8106@reddit
Not at those prices, no.
kcon123@reddit
My NHS dentist was the same. Never mentioned hygienists even though I should have been seeing one regularly.
APiousCultist@reddit
Because of NHS underfunding that kind of dentistry is in a poor state. It likely wouldn't be profitable to offer you a hygienist as a price they can legally charge, and due to economic differences few people are going to pay to have optional cleaning done privately if they're on an NHS dentist. That said, I believe it is offered to people on Universal Credits (i.e. benefits), so I'd assume they're either mandated to offer it or given a larger payment.
seklas1@reddit
I have a yearly hygiene, because my teeth are generally healthy. Your dentist telling you no, is a bit of a red flag.
kcon123@reddit
Yes it's rare for NHS patients to regularly see a hygienist in my experience.
tiptoe_only@reddit
My dentist always recommends it when we visit, even if she says our teeth are great. Probably just depends on the dentist
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.