Dentists who fail on even basic care despite demanding big fees - NHS and private dentists are failing to carry out even basic examinations despite often demanding big fees, an undercover study has revealed.
A snapshot survey of 20 firms - ten private and ten NHS - rated the standard of care as 'poor' or 'very poor' in more than half.
The research will infuriate patients who find they generally have to wait an age for an appointment, while charges are often punitive.
Snapshot: NHS and private dentists are failing to carry out even basic examinations despite often demanding big fees, an undercover study revealed
Dentists were guilty of rushing examinations, overlooking vital checks and proposing inappropriate treatment plans, according to the research by Which?.
The findings come as the Office of Fair Trading carries out an inquiry into unfair charges and monopoly practices.
Which? found that in 11 of the 20 dental surgeries, standards of work failed to reach even minimum standards. Five visits lasted less than ten minutes, while two of these dentists spent just five minutes with their new patients.
It should be standard practice to X-ray a new patient’s teeth to check for problems such as tooth decay, however this service was not offered on five of the visits.
Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits.
The researchers also noted that just three of the 20 dentists examined the face and neck, which is necessary to check for swollen glands.
One of the least efficient practitioners was a private dentist. The visit to him lasted seven minutes and the dentist missed important checks, offered inappropriate treatment and communicated poorly.
Missed: Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits (picture posed by models)
Just three of the 20 visits were rated ‘good’, while none was ‘excellent’.
Transcripts from secret audio recordings of the visits were assessed by a panel of four experts with experience of NHS and private dentistry.
They assessed each visit on the quality of case history checks, clinical examination, treatment plan and customer service and gave it a rating.
Which? is giving its findings to the dental industry’s two regulators, the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: ‘In an industry that has not one but two regulators, this level of incompetence is unacceptable.’
UK dentist fees are among the highest in Europe, with a bill for a simple check-up running to as much as £124. Such is the expense that many are letting their teeth decay because they are worried they cannot afford treatment.
The OFT is investigating how dentistry services are sold and whether patients are given appropriate treatment.
It will also look at whether dentists in some areas effectively operate a monopoly, keeping out rivals who might offer a better, cheaper service. ( dailymail.co.uk )
A snapshot survey of 20 firms - ten private and ten NHS - rated the standard of care as 'poor' or 'very poor' in more than half.
The research will infuriate patients who find they generally have to wait an age for an appointment, while charges are often punitive.
Snapshot: NHS and private dentists are failing to carry out even basic examinations despite often demanding big fees, an undercover study revealed
Dentists were guilty of rushing examinations, overlooking vital checks and proposing inappropriate treatment plans, according to the research by Which?.
The findings come as the Office of Fair Trading carries out an inquiry into unfair charges and monopoly practices.
Which? found that in 11 of the 20 dental surgeries, standards of work failed to reach even minimum standards. Five visits lasted less than ten minutes, while two of these dentists spent just five minutes with their new patients.
It should be standard practice to X-ray a new patient’s teeth to check for problems such as tooth decay, however this service was not offered on five of the visits.
Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits.
The researchers also noted that just three of the 20 dentists examined the face and neck, which is necessary to check for swollen glands.
One of the least efficient practitioners was a private dentist. The visit to him lasted seven minutes and the dentist missed important checks, offered inappropriate treatment and communicated poorly.
Missed: Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits (picture posed by models)
Just three of the 20 visits were rated ‘good’, while none was ‘excellent’.
Transcripts from secret audio recordings of the visits were assessed by a panel of four experts with experience of NHS and private dentistry.
They assessed each visit on the quality of case history checks, clinical examination, treatment plan and customer service and gave it a rating.
Which? is giving its findings to the dental industry’s two regulators, the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: ‘In an industry that has not one but two regulators, this level of incompetence is unacceptable.’
UK dentist fees are among the highest in Europe, with a bill for a simple check-up running to as much as £124. Such is the expense that many are letting their teeth decay because they are worried they cannot afford treatment.
The OFT is investigating how dentistry services are sold and whether patients are given appropriate treatment.
It will also look at whether dentists in some areas effectively operate a monopoly, keeping out rivals who might offer a better, cheaper service. ( dailymail.co.uk )
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