The rising costs of healthcare in the UK have created significant financial strain for many individuals, particularly when it comes to dental treatment.
Dental care is often regarded as a luxury, especially when it involves private treatment, and not everyone has the financial resources readily available to cover these costs. As a result, financing for dental work has become an increasingly essential solution for many patients.
Let’s see how financing options are helping people manage the rising cost of dental care, the payment options available, and why these finance plans are a necessary tool for maintaining a healthy smile.
The growing concern of healthcare costs
The impact of rising healthcare costs in the UK
The cost of healthcare has been steadily increasing across the UK, and dental treatment is no exception.
NHS dental services, while still widely used, often fail to cover the full cost of necessary treatments. This has resulted in a growing number of patients turning to private dental care for more complex or specialised treatment.
As these costs continue to rise, many patients find it difficult to afford dental treatment upfront.
Why dental work is becoming more expensive
Private dental treatment tends to be more expensive than NHS care because it offers a wider range of services and includes more advanced techniques.
Common dental procedures, such as fillings and crowns, can be expensive, but more specialised treatments, including dental implants, braces, or cosmetic dentistry, can run into the thousands of pounds.
Many people find it difficult to afford these treatments upfront, especially in the case of cosmetic dentistry or major restorations. As prices continue to rise, more patients are turning to financing options to help spread the cost of their dental treatment plan so they do not have to postpone or forego treatment.
Understanding the financial strain of dental care
The cost of dental treatment varies depending on the procedure and whether you choose a private practice. Below are typical costs for common dental procedures in the UK at private clinics.
Fillings
Private fillings vary based on the material. Amalgam fillings cost £100 to £200, while tooth-coloured fillings range from £150 to £300. Prices increase with cavity size or if multiple fillings are needed.
Crowns
Crowns restore damaged teeth, costing £500 to £1,200. Porcelain crowns are more expensive, ranging from £700 to £1,200, while metal crowns may be cheaper depending on tooth location.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment costs £400 to £1,000, depending on complexity, the tooth treated, and any post-treatment restoration required.
Teeth whitening
In-chair whitening treatments cost £300 to £800, while take-home kits range from £200 to £400. The price depends on the method and number of sessions.
Implants
Dental implants typically cost £1,500 to £3,000, including surgery, abutment, and crown. Additional procedures like bone grafting can increase the price.
Braces
Private braces cost between £1,500 and £3,000 for metal braces, £2,000 to £4,500 for ceramic, and £2,500 to £5,000 for clear aligners like Invisalign.
Dental insurance in the UK
Limitations of NHS dental coverage
While NHS dental care is often more affordable, it has its limitations. NHS dentists can only provide basic services and are often unable to offer treatments such as cosmetic dentistry, which can greatly improve the appearance of one’s smile.
These services are typically only available through private practices, where the costs are higher, and patients may need to look into financing options to afford them.
The rise of private dental insurance plans
With rising treatment costs, many individuals are now turning to private dental insurance to help offset the expenses of private dental care.
These insurance plans can assist with some treatment costs, but they may not fully cover the total cost of private treatment.
Some treatments, especially cosmetic treatments, are rarely covered as they are seen as elective for aesthetic purposes rather than necessary for health reasons. In these cases, financing for dental work becomes an essential part of the payment process.
The popularity of payment plans for dental work
Financing for dental work has become increasingly popular as more people realise the benefits of spreading their treatment costs over time.
Payment plans allow patients to receive the dental care they need without having to pay the total cost upfront. Many dental practices now offer flexible payment plans as an alternative to bank loans that can be tailored to suit an individual’s budget and preferences.
By using a finance agreement, patients can pay for their treatment in affordable monthly repayments, often with options for interest-free periods.
Interest-free and low-interest financing options
One of the most appealing aspects of patient finance is the availability of interest-free or low-interest options.
Many finance providers offer interest-free payment plans for patients who wish to pay off their treatment over several months.
These plans often come with no hidden fees and offer flexible repayment terms, making them a popular choice for individuals looking to reduce the financial burden of dental care.
The benefits of financing dental care include:
- Affordable monthly payments: Spread the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly instalments.
- No upfront costs: Receive your dental care immediately without needing to pay in full upfront.
- Access to immediate treatment: Get the dental care you need without delay, even if you can’t pay all at once.
- Interest-free options: Enjoy interest-free finance plans for a set period.
- Flexible repayment terms: Choose a repayment plan that fits your budget.
- Improved dental health: Address dental issues promptly and avoid further complications.
- Access to advanced treatments: Afford treatments like implants or braces that might otherwise be too expensive.
- No hidden fees: Transparent finance plans with no unexpected charges.
- Simple application process: Quick and easy application with minimal paperwork.
- Credit building opportunities: On-time repayments may help improve your credit score.
What to look for when choosing a dental finance provider
Regulation and transparency
Ensure the provider is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This guarantees that they follow strict guidelines, offering transparency in terms and conditions, including any fees.
Flexible payment plans
Look for a provider that offers flexible repayment options, allowing you to spread the cost of your treatment over a period that suits your budget.
Credit check
Most finance providers will perform a credit check as part of the application process. Make sure you are comfortable with this, and be aware that some providers may have stricter criteria than others. It’s important to check your credit status beforehand to avoid any disappointments.
Interest rates and hidden fees
Compare interest rates and be cautious of hidden fees. Ensure you understand the total cost of the treatment, including any extra charges that might apply.
Reputation and customer support
Check customer reviews and the provider’s reputation. Choose one that offers good customer support and a simple application process for fast approval. You can also check whether they are listed on trusted websites, such as the Financial Services Register, to verify their legitimacy.
Medicred: specialist dental finance for your perfect smile
When it comes to achieving your perfect smile, Medicred offers specialist dental finance solutions designed to make your treatment more affordable and accessible.
Whether you’re in need of routine dental care or a more complex procedure, Medicred’s flexible payment plans allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time, with the convenience of managing your payments directly from your UK bank account via Direct Debit.
Using Medicred’s finance calculator, you can quickly assess your options and find a repayment plan that fits your budget. The application process is simple, and approval can be completed in just a few minutes.
Once approved, you’ll enter into a credit agreement that outlines the terms, including the total cost, remaining balance, and repayment schedule. Our pricing is fully transparent, with no hidden fees, and you’ll always know exactly what to expect.
As a UK resident, you can benefit from a seamless process that includes a quick credit check to assess your eligibility. If you’re able to, you can even consider repaying early with no additional charges.
With Medicred, achieving the smile you’ve always wanted is now easier and more manageable than ever.
