Private dental care offers patients shorter waiting times, longer appointments, and more personalised treatment options compared to NHS dentistry. You don’t need a referral to register with a private dentist, and many offer flexible appointment times, monthly care plans, and access to treatments not always available on the NHS. Practices like Mola Dental in Sheffield provide a range of plans and are known for supporting nervous patients.
With NHS dental appointments becoming harder to access, more people are exploring private dental care (27% of people unable to get NHS dental appointments ended up going to private dentists for treatment between 2022 – 2024) [1], but many aren’t quite sure how it works. Is it just about paying more, or does the experience really differ? How do you find a private dentist, and what should you expect when you book an appointment?
As a private dental clinic in Sheffield, we’re well placed to cover in this article: how private dental care differs from NHS treatment, how to access it, private dentistry costs in Sheffield and beyond, and the kinds of benefits patients often value – from quicker appointments and longer consultations to more flexible scheduling. We’ll also look briefly at dental plans and insurance options to help you understand the full picture before making a decision.
What Is Private Dental Care?
Private dental care is treatment provided outside the NHS, where patients pay directly for services or through a care plan or insurance. It covers everything from routine check-ups and fillings to advanced procedures like root canals, dental implants, and cosmetic treatments.
Patients choosing private care often benefit from greater flexibility, longer appointments, and a wider range of treatment options, though the exact experience can vary depending on the practice.
How It Differs from NHS Dental Care
There are a few key differences between private and NHS dental care:
- Time – Private appointments are usually longer, allowing for more thorough examinations and detailed discussions about your treatment options.
- Access – Private practices often have shorter waiting times and more appointment availability. Some private practices, including ours, offer evening and weekend appointments.
- Treatment options – The NHS covers clinically necessary care, but private dentists can offer cosmetic work, more advanced materials and technology, and wider choices in how problems are treated.
- Cost – Private treatment isn’t limited to standard bands like the NHS, so prices vary by procedure and clinic. This also allows for more tailored care.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Private Treatment
With many NHS dental practices facing long wait times, reduced capacity, or closed lists, patients are turning to private care for timely treatment and peace of mind. Others choose it for the added comfort, personalised attention, and flexibility that private clinics can offer.
For some, it’s also about continuity and control, such as having the same dentist each visit, being offered more treatment choices, and feeling less rushed during appointments.
How to Access Private Dental Care
Private dental care is open to everyone in the UK. There’s no need for a referral or to be registered with an NHS dentist first. Here’s how it works.
Do You Need a Referral?
No referral is needed to see a private dentist. You can contact the practice directly, book an appointment, and be seen as a self-referred patient. This makes it easy to get a second opinion or seek private treatment even if you’ve previously been treated under the NHS.
Can You Mix NHS and Private Dental Treatment?
Yes, you can be registered with an NHS dentist and still receive private dental treatment, including at the same practice if they have a private service. Your NHS registration won’t be affected if you choose to pay privately for specific treatments, though you need to continue attending your NHS appointments and stay registered with your NHS provider. Be sure to advise your private dental practice that you wish to retain your NHS dentist registration during your private dentist registration process.
Many patients do this to access cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or Invisalign, or to benefit from advanced treatments that aren’t available on the NHS, such as dental implants or guided biofilm therapy (GBT). Others opt for enhanced preventive care or more flexible appointment times without switching away from NHS services entirely.
At Mola Dental, patients can choose private services alongside their NHS care. The practice also uses AI-assisted diagnostics to help spot potential dental issues earlier – a technology not currently included in standard NHS check-ups.
Whatever route you choose, your dentist should make it clear which treatments fall under the NHS and which are private, along with transparent pricing, so you can decide what’s best for your needs and budget.
How to Register with a Private Dentist
Registering with a private dental practice is straightforward:
- Contact the practice directly either by phone or using their website
- Complete a short medical and dental history form
- Book an initial consultation or check-up
- Discuss any concerns or treatment goals during your first visit
There’s usually no long waiting list, and many practices offer flexible appointment times to suit busy schedules.
What to Expect from a Private Dental Appointment
Private dental appointments are designed to give patients more time, more flexibility, and a more personalised experience than is often possible within the NHS. Here’s what you can typically expect when you book in with a private practice.
Booking and Waiting Times
One of the main benefits of private dental care is shorter waiting times. Many private clinics can offer appointments within a few days, sometimes even the same day, compared to the longer delays often seen in NHS services. Evening and weekend appointments are also commonly available, which can be helpful for those with busy or irregular schedules.
Consultation Length and What’s Typically Included
Private appointments usually last longer than NHS ones. A standard new patient consultation may take 30 to 45 minutes, giving the dentist time to carry out a thorough examination, take X-rays or photographs if needed, and discuss any concerns in detail.
This allows for a more comprehensive assessment and often includes:
- A full oral health examination
- Screening for gum disease and oral cancer
- Any required X-rays or imaging
- Time to ask questions and discuss treatment options
Communication, Comfort, and Choice
Private dentistry often focuses on delivering a calm, unhurried environment. You’re more likely to see the same dentist each time, and there’s often more time to explain procedures, answer questions, and tailor treatment to your individual needs or preferences.
Patients also have access to a wider range of materials and treatment options like cosmetic improvements, advanced restorations, or less invasive alternatives, giving you more control over your care.
How Much Does Private Dental Care Cost?
Private dental care is paid for directly by the patient or through a care plan or insurance. Costs can vary depending on the treatment, clinic, and region, but many patients find that the added benefits of flexibility, time, and choice make the expense worthwhile.
Typical Fees for Common Treatments
While prices differ by location and provider, here are some typical private fees in the UK as a general guide:
- Check-up – £50 to £90
- Hygiene appointment – £60 to £120
- White filling – £90 to £250
- Root canal – £300 to £900+ (depending on the tooth)
- Crown – £500 to £900
- Tooth extraction – £100 to £300
- Teeth whitening – £250 to £500
- Dental implant – £2,000 to £3,000
Our website has a full dental treatment price list for our Mola Dental private dental practice in Sheffield. Some clinics, including ours, offer dental plans to spread the cost of routine care over the year.
Factors That Influence Cost (Location, Complexity, Time)
Several factors can affect the cost of private dental treatment:
- Location – Practices in major cities or affluent areas often charge more than rural or smaller-town clinics.
- Complexity – More advanced or time-consuming procedures (like molar root canals or implant work) cost more than simple treatments.
- Time and materials – High-quality materials and longer appointment slots increase the cost, but also the quality and durability of the result.
- Experience of the dentist – Specialists and highly experienced clinicians may charge more.
Are Private Dentists More Expensive or Better Value?
Private dentists typically charge more per treatment than the NHS, but the value often comes in what’s included: shorter waiting times, longer appointments, flexible scheduling, access to modern techniques, and greater comfort during treatment.
For many patients, especially those juggling busy schedules, experiencing dental anxiety, or requiring urgent care, the added cost is balanced by the convenience and peace of mind private dentistry provides.
What About Dental Plans and Insurance?
Private dental care doesn’t always mean paying large sums upfront. As previously mentioned, many clinics offer dental plans that help patients spread the cost of routine care across the year. Others may accept dental insurance or employee benefit schemes. Here’s how it typically works:
Monthly Dental Plans Offered by Clinics
Dental plans are often managed directly by the practice and cover preventive care like check-ups, hygiene appointments, and X-rays. They may also include discounts on additional treatments.
At Mola Dental in Sheffield, patients can choose from four monthly dental plans:
- Mola Silver Plan – £16.99/month
- 1 dental examination per year
- 1 Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) hygiene appointment
- Small intra-oral X-rays where clinically required
- 10% discount on most private treatments
- Worldwide dental insurance and Firehouse Fitness discount
- Mola Gold Plan – £27.39/month
- 2 dental examinations per year
- 2 GBT hygiene appointments
- Small intra-oral X-rays
- 15% discount on most private treatments
- Worldwide insurance and Firehouse Fitness discount
- Mola Platinum Plan – £44.90/month
- 2 dental examinations per year
- 4 GBT hygiene appointments
- Small intra-oral X-rays
- 15% discount on most private treatments
- Worldwide insurance and Firehouse Fitness discount
- Mola Kids Plan – £5.72/month
- 2 dental examinations per year
- Small intra-oral X-rays
- 15% discount on private treatments (including cosmetic treatment)
- Global Accident & Emergency cover
These plans are designed to support regular preventive care while reducing the risk of unexpected dental costs.
Private Dental Insurance – What It Usually Covers
Private dental insurance is typically provided by third-party insurers (e.g. Bupa, Simplyhealth, or Denplan) and may be purchased individually or through your employer. Policies vary but often cover:
- Routine check-ups and hygiene appointments
- A set amount toward treatment costs (e.g. fillings, crowns)
- Emergency dental care
- Some specialist treatments depending on the level of cover
Unlike a dental plan tied to one practice, insurance may allow you to claim back costs from multiple providers.
Can You Use Employee Dental Benefits at Any Private Practice?
Some workplaces offer dental benefits as part of a health plan. These might be handled through insurance or in the form of reimbursements. In most cases, you can choose where to be treated, but it’s important to check:
- Does the practice accept your insurance provider?
- Are there any restrictions on what’s covered?
- Do you need to pay upfront and claim back the cost?
Mola Dental can advise patients on using insurance or employer-based dental cover and provide the necessary paperwork for reimbursement.
Is Private Dental Care Right for You?
Private dental care isn’t just about paying for treatment; it’s about getting care that works around your life, your needs, and your preferences. For many people, the extra cost is balanced by greater flexibility, shorter waits, and a more supportive experience.
Benefits for People with Busy Schedules, Anxiety, or Urgent Needs
Private dental care can be a particularly good fit if:
- You have a demanding job or unpredictable hours
- You need appointments outside standard working times
- You’re in pain and need urgent care
- You feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist
Mola Dental is known for our friendly, patient-led approach, and our patient testimonials demonstrate our excellent reputation for putting nervous patients at ease. We know that visiting the dentist can make some people nervous. That is why we put patient comfort first to offer a truly relaxing experience. Our private dental practice in Sheffield provides:
- A calm and friendly place to help reduce anxiety
- Gentle dental care to keep you comfortable
- Sedation choices for patients who feel nervous
- Facilities designed to support your comfort and wellbeing
Our caring team works to make every visit as easy as possible, so you can keep good oral health without stress.
Questions to Ask Before Making the Switch
If you’re thinking about moving from NHS to private dental care, or starting fresh with a private dentist, it can help to ask:
- What’s included in the consultation fee?
- How quickly can I be seen and what are the appointment options?
- Are there dental plans available to help with budgeting?
- Can I stay with the same dentist for future visits?
- How is treatment explained and planned?
- What kind of support is offered if I’m anxious about treatment?
Taking the time to find a practice that aligns with your needs can make a big difference, not just to your dental health, but to your overall experience of care.
Conclusion
Private dental care offers a different experience to NHS dentistry – often with more time, flexibility, and a greater focus on patient comfort. While the cost is typically higher, many patients feel the added benefits are worthwhile, especially if they value quick access, calm surroundings, and a more personalised approach.
If you’re thinking about going private, start by looking at local practices and comparing what’s included in the initial consultation and treatment options. Consider what matters most to you – speed, convenience, environment, or continuity of care – and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
At Mola Dental, for example, patients often comment on the friendly atmosphere, ease of booking, and supportive care for nervous visitors. If you’re unsure about what to expect, many private practices will happily walk you through the process before you commit. Contact us at Mola Dental if you have any questions about registering with our private dental clinic in Sheffield.
Private dental care isn’t right for everyone, but if you’re looking for more choice, flexibility, or immediate attention, it might be worth exploring.
References
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2024-11-20/publics-confusion-over-right-register-nhs-dentist
Author:
Chetan Mistry
As owner and Clinical Director of Mola Dental, Dr Mistry is affectionately known as “Chet” by his patients and prides himself on providing the very best care.
Having graduated in 2009 from the University of Sheffield, Chet spent the early part of his career at practices in Chesterfield and Doncaster before joining the practice under the previous ownership of Centre For Dentistry. In 2020 Chet took over the practice and rebranded it to Mola Dental with the aim to build on an already great reputation to make it the best dental practice in Sheffield.
Chet’s clinical interests are in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is currently due to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire in 2021 with an MSc In Endodontology which will allow him accept referrals from other general dentists for the provision of complex root canal treatments which will potentially allow him to save teeth which others can’t.
“In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, watching sport and spending time with friends and family.”
“I enjoy helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that they can be proud of and as the owner of the practice provide patients with the best caring experience of a dental practice they have ever had.”
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