footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
bloger thumb

How does private differ from NHS

In the UK, dental care is available through both the National Health Service (NHS) and private providers. Here are the key differences between NHS and private dentistry:

Cost and Pricing

NHS Dentistry: The NHS provides dental care at subsidised rates, with treatments falling into different “bands” that determine the cost. For example, Band 1 covers basic examination and preventive advice, Band 2 includes fillings, extractions, and root canals, and Band 3 includes more complex procedures like crowns, dentures, and bridges. The costs are fixed within these bands, making NHS dentistry more affordable for most people.

Private Dentistry: Private dental care typically costs more than NHS care, with fees varying by clinic and location. Private dentists set their own prices, which can be significantly higher, especially for advanced treatments or cosmetic procedures not covered by the NHS.

Treatment Availability and Options

NHS Dentistry: The NHS covers treatments that are deemed clinically necessary to maintain oral health. This includes fillings, extractions, crowns, and dentures. However, it does not cover cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or orthodontics purely for aesthetic purposes.

Private Dentistry: Private practices offer a broader range of treatments, including cosmetic services (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers), advanced orthodontics, and a wider selection of materials for fillings or crowns. Patients may also have access to newer technologies and treatments not available through the NHS.

Appointment Availability and Waiting Times

NHS Dentistry: There can be longer waiting times for appointments, especially in areas where NHS dentists are in high demand. Appointment times may also be less flexible, with fewer available options for evenings or weekends.

Private Dentistry: Private practices often offer more flexibility in scheduling, including shorter waiting times, same-day appointments, and more availability for evening or weekend appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for urgent or complex cases.

Quality of Care and Personalisation

NHS Dentistry: While the quality of care is regulated and maintained at a high standard within the NHS, the treatment options are more standardised, with less room for personalised or elective treatments.

Private Dentistry: Private care often provides a more personalised experience, with longer consultations, more time spent on each patient, and a focus on patient preferences. The environment in private clinics may also be more comfortable or luxurious.

Access to Specialists

NHS Dentistry: Access to specialist treatments (e.g., orthodontics, periodontics) through the NHS may require a referral and can involve longer wait times. Certain specialist services might not be available in all areas.

Private Dentistry: Patients may have quicker and more direct access to specialist care in private practices, often without the need for a referral. This can be a significant advantage for complex or urgent cases.

Summary

NHS Dentistry: More affordable, covers essential treatments, but may involve longer wait times and less flexibility.

Private Dentistry: More expensive, offers a wider range of treatments, quicker access, and a more personalised service.

Choosing between NHS and private dentistry depends on factors like budget, the type of treatment needed, and personal preferences regarding convenience and service quality.

Read our CQC report here

back to blog

Get in touch

Tooth Whitening & Hygiene Appointment

At Home Whitening With Hygiene

£29.95

Learn more

Dental Health Plan

Options for all treatments

New Patients Welcome

We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today

Book An Introduction Call
We are on Instagram
We’re delighted to welcome Flora, our new dental therapist, to the team at Evolve.

Flora works closely with our dentists to help patients maintain healthy smiles. Her role includes supporting gum health, providing preventative care and helping patients keep their teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

She’s passionate about helping people feel comfortable and confident about their oral health, and we’re really pleased to have her join the practice.

If you see Flora during your next visit, please do say hello and give her a warm Evolve welcome.

#MeetTheTeam #DentalTherapist #HealthySmiles #Portishead
How often should you really brush and floss? 🪥✨

Carol breaks it down in this short video, giving clear, practical advice to keep your teeth and gums healthy — and your smile confident.

It’s simple: the right routine makes all the difference. Start small, stay consistent, and your mouth will thank you!

💡 Tip: Even a few minutes more each day can make a big impact on long-term dental health.

#Portishead #DentalCare #OralHealth #BrushingTips #FlossingTips #HealthySmiles #FamilyDentist #EvolveDentistry #NorthSomerset
🦷 5 daily habits that can transform your oral hygiene

Great oral health isn’t built in a day — it’s the result of small, consistent habits. From brushing effectively to cleaning between your teeth, the things you do every day really matter.

We’ve just shared a new blog with 5 simple dental hygiene tips to help protect your teeth and gums and support long-term oral health.

If you’re looking for dental hygiene tips Portishead, this is a great place to start 👇

👉 Read the full blog - link in bio

#DentalHygiene #OralHealth #PreventiveCare #Portishead #HealthySmiles
How often should you brush and floss your teeth? 🪥✨

In this short video, Carol explains the best routine for healthy teeth and gums, why consistency matters, and simple tips to make oral care easy every day.

Even a few extra minutes of care each day can make a huge difference for your smile — and your confidence!

💡 Pro tip: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day keeps your teeth and gums happy.

#Portishead #DentalCare #OralHealth #BrushingTips #FlossingTips #HealthySmiles #FamilyDentist #EvolveDentistry #NorthSomerset
She did it! 🚴‍♀️👏

Carol has officially completed her charity bike ride and we’re incredibly proud of her. One of our lovely patients even brought in this card to celebrate the achievement – such a thoughtful gesture.

The ride may be finished, but the fundraising is still open. If you’d like to support Carol and the cause she rode for, there’s still time to donate.

Every contribution makes a difference and means a lot to Carol and the team.

Tap the link in our bio to donate. Thank you for all the encouragement and support along the way. 💙

#TeamEvolve #CharityRide #Fundraising #CommunitySupport #ProudMoment

If you’d like to contribute, please use the link below. Thank you for cheering Carol on and supporting such a fantastic effort. 💙

#CharityRide #TeamEvolve #CommunitySupport #Fundraising

https://www.justgiving.com/page/carol-somerville-roberts-1
Portishead means more to us than a place of work - it’s home.

We’ve written an open letter to our local community to share what Evolve Dentistry truly stands for: compassion, authenticity, respect, and doing the right thing - always.

This practice was built with people at its heart. Not transactions, not targets - but neighbours, families, familiar faces and lasting relationships.

If you are part of this wonderful town - whether you’ve been with us for years or are simply curious about who we are - we’d love you to take a few moments to read it.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your smiles. We are incredibly proud to belong here.

👉 Read our letter to Portishead - link in bio.

#Portishead #Community #EvolveDentistry #Portishead
#PortisheadBusiness
#PortisheadLife
#NorthSomerset
#Gordano
#LovePortishead
#supportlocalsomerset 
#CommunityMatters
#LocalCommunity
#IndependentBusiness
#ProudToBelong
#ServingOurCommunity
#EthicalBusiness
#dotherightthing 
#EvolveDentistry
#PrivateDentistry
#FamilyDentist
#DentalCare
#SmileConfidence
#PatientCare
#ModernDentistry
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
google rating