Inverleith Dentalcare
Why Is Private Dentistry So Expensive?

This is an interesting question that I have been asked on and off over the last 25 years. More so in the beginning of my career as a private dentist but increasingly again, more recently. This is possibly because with the reduced NHS dentistry availability more people are turning to private dentistry.
But maybe we need to understand,
What makes you feel that it is not worth the value assigned to it?
What do those fees cover for you?
How do you compare the fees charged by different clinics?
So first of all, let’s look at how the fees are decided.
Team
We hire the best team members who are skilled, dedicated to lifelong learning, and empathic. They will support you through your dental care.
The most skilled clinicians who will be treating you. It takes five years to train as a basic dentist. But the real training starts afterwards. Many dentists will choose to fulfil the minimum requirements to keep them on the dental register, and some will undertake further weekend courses so that they can provide the latest fad.
However, few dentists will go the extra mile by undergoing many years of advanced training so that they have a deep understanding of how to treat the regular problems that you will suffer competently. They will be able to highlight the problems that are brewing sooner.
This means that as a private dentist, they can offer you many options to meet your budget requirements. It also means that addressing these issues earlier will avoid the more expensive options later on. These dentists often supplement their extensive general training with a special interest in one treatment modality.
This means that you benefit from someone who has a detailed understanding of general dentistry and is able to offer you something that they have really honed their skills at. These clinicians will likely have self-invested between 5-6 figure sums in their training to benefit you. These are the clinicians that we hire.
Like everything in life, they are worth the higher investment to have as part of our team.
Business Overhead
Dental practices have fixed and variable overhead costs that need to be covered these include:
- The best and latest equipment to ensure that you achieve predictable, consistent results.
- Investing in quality materials is crucial for a dental practice as it directly impacts a range of outcomes. Superior materials ensure the durability and longevity of dental restorations, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Dental Laboratories
The best labs employ skilled craftsmen to custom-make your dental crowns, onlays, veneers or dentures. High-quality laboratories with skilled technicians may come at a higher cost, but they contribute to better outcomes and longevity of dental restorations.
Cost of Compliance
The high cost of compliance in the UK ensures that the highest level of health and safety is taken care of on your behalf. This is often overlooked by potential dental tourists looking to have their dental work abroad but not understanding that they have a little comeback if events don’t turn out as anticipated. This is your health, and you might have one shot at getting it right. You can’t take it back to the shop and return it if things go wrong.
Investment in Training
The regular investment in training for all our team members ensures that we are at the forefront of dentistry.
Service & Piece-of-Mind
Quality dental care includes personalised service, thorough planning, and thoughtful consideration of each patient’s unique needs. Dental professionals invest time in diagnosing, planning, and providing comprehensive care, which is an invaluable aspect of dental treatment.
Time & Dedication
Dental professionals invest time not only during chair-side treatments but also in administrative tasks, planning, and reflecting on patients’ cases. This dedication often goes unrecognised, yet it significantly contributes to the quality of care provided. You might be surprised to learn that our clinicians may be working on your treatment plans during evenings and weekends.
The Cost of Neglect
Neglecting dental care can lead to more extensive and costly treatments in the long run. Regular dental health checks, preventive care, and early intervention are essential to maintaining oral health and avoiding more significant expenses later on.
What Does All of This Mean?
When comparing fees, these are just some of the factors to consider. Others are the practice’s reputation (really read what people say about them, not just how many reviews they have), the warranty provided for the work, and how they respond to your questions during your dental journey.
The perception that dentistry is expensive may be based on a need to understand its comprehensive nature, the level of dedication and expertise required, and the costs associated with running a high-quality, modern dental practice. Quality dental care should be considered a valuable investment in long-term oral health and well-being.
Remember that dentistry is not a product that can be monetised. It is a bespoke service provided by a dedicated team of professionals to help you maintain your mouth so that you can eat well, smile, communicate, and be intimate with confidence. What value do you put on these factors?
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more, please contact our team by calling 0131 552 4830 or emailing info@inverleithdentalcare.co.uk.
To book a consultation, you can use our direct online booking system by clicking here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Inverleith Dentalcare.
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Inverleith Dentalcare
25 Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5QH
Monday
8:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday
8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Please contact us to find out more