From 2025, Cuckfield Dental Practice will sadly have to significantly reduce its NHS dentistry* provision
We are delighted, however, to continue to offer our patients improved and enhanced private dental services as affordably as possible
“Given our proud, 30 year history with the NHS here in Cuckfield, the decision to reduce our commitment to NHS dentistry has been a particularly painful one. Economically COVID nearly finished us off and, truthfully, cutting back now is the only way we can hope to remain in business looking ahead. That’s the sad reality.”
Simon Quelch
Our longstanding history with the NHS
- Cuckfield Dental Practice (CDP) was established as an NHS practice and has been proudly providing the local community with NHS care since 1995
- In 1998, we were appointed as an NHS training practice for newly qualified dentists, and many trainees who joined the practice were happy to continue to support the NHS
- The decision to reduce our NHS capacity here was, accordingly, a very tough one indeed
Why we are moving away from NHS dentistry
- What the NHS pays us per treatment has only increased by a tiny amount since 2006, whilst our costs for materials, new techniques and energy have risen massively
- Dental practices are independent businesses that must either cover these costs or go under
- Our private work has subsidised our NHS dentistry for years, but this well is finally running dry
- The financial and time constraints imposed by the NHS contract have created major difficulties in recruiting and retaining high quality staff; many now find private dentistry a far more attractive option
- We either change now or shut down completely, leaving you without any dental services – we have no choice!
- We’d rather maintain our commitment to supporting this community whilst at the same time improving the quality of the comprehensive services we offer
The benefits to our patients of our becoming a private dentistry practice
- We’ll still remain in business for you!
- Better equipped surgeries and better, more advanced treatments
- Higher quality materials for more effective, longer-lasting dentistry
- More time to talk with you and discuss your dental concerns
- We can allot the time your dental work actually requires, rather than frantically rushing to fit the unfittable into a 10 minute, NHS ‘slot’
- We can provide the vital preventative dentistry that the NHS contract simply doesn’t cover or allow for – ‘prevention is better than cure’
- You will have access to fulfilled dentists committed to our practice and trained in the very latest techniques
With effect from April 2025, we will be giving all of our existing NHS patients one last NHS examination. Where this indicates a need for treatment, you will still receive it as an NHS patient
One last appointment on the NHS
As part of this appointment we will be happy to answer any of your questions and offer advice regarding our transition away from NHS dentistry
How we can make private dentistry affordable
- We offer a range of dental plans here, enabling you to spread the cost monthly. These include variable numbers of check-ups and hygienist appointments per year, depending on a patient’s likely needs. A plan will also qualify you for a 20% discount on any ‘out of plan’ treatments required
- If your teeth and gums are healthy and you maintain a good hygiene regime at home, it might cost you less by ‘paying as you go’
- At your next appointment, your dentist will go through the options and recommend the best alternative for you based on your current dental health.
Annual Plan
Basic cover- 2 examinations OR
- 1 examination + 1 hygiene visit
- per year
Standard Plan
Recommended- 2 examinations
- 2 hygiene visits
- per year
Hygiene Plan
Comprehensive cover- 2 examinations
- 4 hygiene visits
- per year
* This shouldn’t affect children and NHS exempt patients
- We still fully intend to treat children (to the age of 23) under the NHS
- We will also continue to provide NHS treatment to all of our existing patients who are (and continue to be) 100% exempt from paying dental charges for as long as we have the NHS capacity to do so.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make private dental treatment more affordable?
You can spread the cost of your dental treatment over 12 months using one of our Dental Care Plans
Will currently exempt patients have to pay for treatment?
No – their payment status will remain as it is now unless their exemption status, or our NHS capacity, changes
How will your move to private dentistry affect younger patients?
Nothing will change. All children registered with us will continue to be treated as NHS dental patients up to the age of 23
How do I decide which practice plan will best suit my dental needs?
You should ask your dentist for advice. He/she will know the state of your oral health and will be happy to recommend the most appropriate plan for you
Will I be able to pay for treatments on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, or must I sign up for one of your plans?
Nobody is compelled to sign up for one of our Dental Care Plans. You will be quite at liberty to pay your private fees per treatment on an ad hoc basis if you choose to. However you won’t be entitled to the 20% discount on treatments (excluding additional examinations or hygiene appointments) we offer to our Care Plan patients!
What are the benefits of taking out a Care Plan?
Our Plans enable you to budget over the year for your dental treatment needs. Depending on the Plan you choose, it will include 1 or 2 dental examinations, and 1, 2 or 4 hygienist visits per year. You will also benefit from our 20% discount on most out-of-plan treatment costs, and a worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme.
How will moving to private dentistry benefit our patients?
You will experience better equipped surgeries, more advanced treatments and higher quality materials for more effective, longer-lasting dentistry. You’ll have more time to discuss your dental concerns with your dentist, and we’ll be able to allot the time your dental work actually requires, rather than frantically rushing to fit the unfittable into a 10 minute NHS ‘slot’. You’ll find it easier to access the vital preventative dentistry that the NHS contract simply doesn’t allow for, and you’ll be treated by fulfilled dentists committed to our practice and trained in the very latest techniques
What if I can’t afford the cost of private dentistry?
We hope that our Dental Care Plans will make private dentistry more affordable for you. But if you are still struggling to pay, your local primary care trust will endeavour to help you find a dentist in your area who will treat you as an NHS patient. Or you can visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/ for more information
When will I have to start paying for my private dentistry?
When you next visit us in 2025 as an NHS patient for your planned treatment or examination, we will take you through all your private payment options; it will be by the end of 2025 at the latest, but will not simply happen overnight!
What happens if I have a dental emergency?
We will continue to cover all our private registered patients for any emergency treatment required. Bear in mind that there will be a fee to pay for any out-of-plan dental work you require, but our Dental Care Plan holders will benefit from a 20% discount on these expenses
Will I be able to find an NHS dentist elsewhere?
Possibly, although most surgeries in this area have been forced, like us, to convert to private dentistry. We suggest you visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/ for more information