Both the Times and the BBC picked up on a story yesterday which suggests that since the new deal between the UK government and NHS dentists was agreed in 2006 that their average pay has increased from £87,000 to £96,000, or just over 10%. Dentists who own their own practice saw a jump of 35%, with their pay reaching £172,000.
They also report that the government's chief dental officer thinks that NHS dentists are bringing patients back in for routine appointments sooner than is necessary in order to maximise their profits. The British Dental Association on the other hand, the body that represents dentists in the UK, says that it has seen no evidence that dentists are seeing patients too often.
Wherever the truth lies, if there is actually a problem here it is that patients don't know how often they should be going for a check up, and some dentists are taking advantage of that. According to a Department of Health source some patients are being seen every six months when there is no need to do so. Others are being given treatment over multiple visits that could be completed in one sitting.
How often do you see your dentist for regular check ups, and do you think it is too often?
Sources:
BBC News – Dentists 'playing the system'
The Times – NHS dentists accused of unnecessary check-ups
I agree that regular check ups are usually every after six months. It seems unprofessional if dentists ask their patients for a routine checkup more than what is required. It will definitely look like their more on gaining profit rather than helping patients with their dental problems.