If you decide that this is what you want to do, your dentist will calculate the monthly premium that you will pay based on an oral health check and costs of running the surgery. Also, there will usually be an initial examination fee included in a comprehensive scheme and because you pay directly to the dentist prices may differ from dentist to dentist as there are no standard fees. The monthly payment is the same each month and will cover you for any treatment that you may require regardless of the cost.

There are two types of capitation plan; one is a maintenance plan and covers basic accidental or emergency treatment and standard maintenance, and the other is comprehensive which will cover more complicated procedures such as extractions or fillings.

There are mixed reports on these plans - those who are in favour say that the dentist is able to spend more time with their patients, and those who are not enamored are of the opinion that patients are almost strong-armed into these schemes so that dentists can optimise the earning potential of their private dental surgeries.

As we said earlier, capitation plans are most suitable for those who know that they will need a fair amount of dental care and it enables them to spread the cost of paying for it rather than having to pay rather large bills whenever any work is done.

Below we explain in more detail the different types of cover and the difference in their price structures and there is often mandatory insurance included for hospital benefits and oral cancer and dental accident or emergency.

Maintenance Plan - With a maintenance plan it is fairly standard to be covered for two examinations and two oral hygiene checks which includes X-rays each year.

The cost of this per month is around ten to fifteen pounds - you are not required to have an initial examination and you get discounts on any other procedures that you may need and may also include an initial registration fee.

Comprehensive Plan - A comprehensive plan generally offers unlimited treatment and includes examinations, hygiene checks, root canal and extraction, crowns, fillings bridges and X-rays.

Your monthly premium is calculated on your oral health and is usually between ten and fourteen pounds. If you have fairly good oral hygiene you could pay below twenty pounds per month. An initial registration fee may or may not be included depending on individual practices.

It would be prudent to have some kind of dental cover even for peace of mind with the ever decreasing numbers of NHS dentists. If you have got problem teeth then it would be fair to say that it is essential cover to have and can work out to be cost effective.

If you want to find a plan that is suitable for you the best action is to find an online broker who can search the whole market for you and find you the best deals so that you can compare them, and the cover that they give, so you can find a policy that is suitable for you.