Campaign fills top spot...

05 February 2010

THIS month a new dental campaign is launching in Newham, to tell people about the availability of local NHS dentists, the range of treatments available and to explain the NHS charging system.

Nationally, there's a perception that people can't find an NHS dentist. Locally, with significant investment there's now more than you may think. Last year, Newham's 30 NHS dentists saw 98,194 patients.

Visiting the dentist should be part of everyone's health routine. It's prevention, not just cure. NHS Newham does offer an emergency dental service for urgent treatment, but my dental philosophy is based on prevention - the best way to get healthy teeth and gums is regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene.

A dentist for 27 years, I've seen great improvements in dentistry. My surgery at The Lift in Manor Park has the latest equipment and dedicated staff. In fact, the surgery looks so good I've added a window sign to tell people we're not a private practice.

Working in Newham is great. When I came to the UK aged six, I lived across the road from where my surgery is now, so I love the area.It's ethnically diverse, the people are fantastic and there's always something going on. Being a dentist is really rewarding; building relationships with patients, relieving pain and helping improve people's oral health.

My surgery is surrounded by schools, so I spend a lot of time giving children - and their parents! - useful tips such as brushing twice a day and eating less sugary foods. Children should visit the dentist as soon as they get their first teeth, so they get used us. We're not scary!

The campaign will also explain NHS charges. Band 1 is £16.50 and covers examination, diagnosis and preventative care. Band 2 is £45.60 and includes everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. Band 3 is £198.00 and covers bands 1 and 2 plus complex procedures like crowns, dentures and bridges. Charges apply for each complete course of treatment, even if you need multiple dentist visits to finish it.

Some people are entitled to help with payment or free treatment. NHS treatment is free if, you're under 18, under 19 and in full time education, pregnant or 12 months after the birth of your baby, or receiving certain state benefits. If you're not sure, just ask.

Look out for the new dental adverts and posters as well as information leaflets in dentist and GP surgeries, libraries and children's centres. There really are more NHS dentists than you think.

For more information on local NHS dentistry, call (020) 7059 6566 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or contact www.newhampct.nhs.uk



By Dr Grish Malhotra,

Dentist for

NHS Newham



If you have a question for an NHS Newham doctor please write to: Ask an NHS Newham doctor, Communications, Warehouse K, 2 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, Custom Hoouse, London E16 1DR or e-mail communications@newhampct.nhs.uk. So we can respond directly to you please give your name and contact address or e-mail address.



Compiled by NHS Newham