Wherever we are – in life and location – expert dental care should be a part of the journey. Whether you’re a busy student, juggling work and family, or you’ve just moved to Bristol, finding the right practitioner matters. But with options from the NHS and private practices, it can be hard to know which route to take.
- Appointment availability: how quickly can you be seen?
First and foremost, there’s the issue of getting an appointment. Enormous demand means that many NHS practices in Bristol are currently at full capacity. Long waiting times have become the norm – particularly for new patients and onward referral for specialist treatments. If you’re keen to be seen, whether as a new patient or because you’re experiencing discomfort, this wait can be extremely frustrating. For example, if you need a lower wisdom tooth removed (with sedation), you’ll currently be facing a wait of over 12 months at both the Bristol Dental Hospital and the Bath RUH.
Opting for private care opens the door to faster access and greater appointment choice. Many practices (including ours) will work around your schedule by offering appointments in the early morning and at lunchtimes, evenings and weekends. We also have no waiting list, with patients needing urgent care typically being seen on the same day. So, if you’re working or studying in Bristol, accessing private dental care can be a more sensible choice for your overall work-life balance.
- Treatment options: what care do you really need?
Driven by necessity, NHS practices focus on check-ups and essential, health-based treatments, such as fillings, extractions, and dentures. Confidence-boosting cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or Invisalign aren’t typically covered, so if you’re looking for more than the basics, you probably won’t be able to access them through the NHS.
In contrast, private practices can offer a far broader range, from advanced whitening to no-prep veneers and smile makeovers. With a private dentist, you can also explore modern orthodontic options like Invisalign or clear braces. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we have a full roster of specialists available, from orthodontists and periodontists to oral surgeons. This means that whichever treatment you need, you’ll always be speaking to an expert. And because we offer everything under one roof, there’s no need to factor in extra time for referrals and waiting lists.
- Cost and payment options
NHS care is banded and subsidised by the government, making it more affordable upfront. However, unlike medical treatments (for instance, through a GP or hospital), NHS dentistry isn’t free. Most adults will still need to pay for treatments and routine appointments, with treatments falling into one of three pricing bands, depending on their complexity. If your treatment plan features a combination of things, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band included.
A private dentist does come with a higher price tag, though this is paired with greater choice and flexibility. We know cost can be a major factor for some patients, but we also believe that financial concerns shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the dental care you deserve. Many practices – like ours – offer interest-free finance, pay-as-you-go options, or monthly membership plans to make costs manageable and help you stay within budget.
- Materials, technology and comfort
The NHS delivers effective, health-based care using standard materials and techniques. These can ensure a good basic level of care, and because NHS dentists don’t offer specialist or cosmetic treatments, they usually don’t need to invest in any more advanced technologies.
On the other hand, private practices are able to invest in the latest technologies – such as digital scans, ceramic restorations, and advanced hygiene treatments – for a more premium level of patient care. The wider practice environment is usually more calming and comfortable, too, which is particularly helpful if you feel nervous when visiting the dentist. For an additional layer of comfort for anxious patients, we offer sedation as an option for all treatments.
- Continuity and personalised care
At NHS practices, you may not always see the same dentist – especially if they’re busy. This may not matter to everyone, but if you’re looking for tailored advice and long-term planning (someone to take a thorough, strategic approach to your care), a private practice is usually the better option. At practices like ours, you’re much more likely to see the same clinician each time you visit, meaning they’ll take time getting to know you, and can recommend the best way forward for your individual circumstances.
When it comes to specialist care, private practices can also take a team approach, drawing in experts with targeted experience types when they’re needed. For instance, our specialists will often work hand in hand with each other – and our in-house dentists – on treatments that bridge their expertise.
Making an informed choice
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If convenience, continuity, and cosmetic, restorative and specialist options matter to you, private dental care may be the right path. If you need essential care and cost is a priority, the NHS could be a better fit. Alternatively, you can choose to mix and match, using both NHS and private care, depending on your needs.
Whichever you choose, it’s important to feel comfortable and informed when it comes to shaping your own dental journey. Nowadays, it’s possible to find a wealth of information online, including practice reviews and testimonials (we’re always happy to share our own), meaning you can even explore what other patients have to say before committing yourself. Awards can also be a good indicator of a high-level patient experience.
Choosing the right dental care should feel empowering – not overwhelming. Whether you’re just settling into Bristol, planning your future smile, or simply overdue a check-up, we’re here to help.