Irritation at dental costs, May gets on EU (and UK) nerves

Two foggy situations - Dental treatment and anti  EU electioneering rhetoric

The first was initiated by today's trip to town to visit the dental hygienist, recommended by my dentist. Apparently, this has to be paid for privately because treatment by the hygienist is not on the NHS. I did overcome my British hesitancy to argue against this at the reception but eventually caved in, because it either meant paying for a missed appointment or perhaps missing a treatment that was actually essential. I was told that yes the dentist could do a basic scaling and polish (which might go into Band 2 and therefore cost about the same) but that the hygienist would provide a more thorough service with more time devoted to me. 

Well, the teeth are cleaner, my wallet lighter and I still feel rankled. 

The NHS UK website states:

The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement. 

It also states that:

Band 1 course of treatment – £20.60:

This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate.

and

If your dentist says scaling is clinically required, this is available on the NHS. This can be provided by a hygienist, dental therapist or trained nurse. A simple scaling is included in a Band 1 course of treatment, but more complex treatment for gum problems may be charged within a Band 2 course of treatment.

So, what did I have? 

• An essential clinical treatment provided by a professional Hygienist (presumably eligible for NHS treatment as above at Band 1 or even 2).
• A treatment in excess of the essential clinical treatment provided by a dentist, so beyond NHS treatment.
• A recommended but not essential treatment.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Fog number 2 is the Prime Minister Theresa May's rhetoric today in response to the furore following the FAZ article in Germany with its claims of her delusion. After returning to No. 10  from visiting the Queen to tell her of the dissolution of Parliament, she attacked the EU, blaming certain elements of interfering in the UK election:

“In the last few days, we have seen just how tough these talks are likely to be, Britain’s negotiating position in Europe has been misrepresented in the continental press."

“The European commission’s negotiating stance has hardened. Threats against Britain have been issued by European politicians and officials. All of these acts have been deliberately timed to affect the result of the general election which will take place on 8 June.”

“We continue to believe that no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal. But we want a deal. We want a deep and special partnership with the European Union, and we want the EU to succeed."

“But the events of the last few days have shown that whatever our wishes, and however reasonable the positions of the Europe’s other leaders, there are some in Brussels who do not want these talks to succeed, who do not want Britain to prosper.”

There is also speculation that the proposed EU Brexit bill to the EU will be Euro 100bn

With the heightened rhetoric, the UK is being pushed into it's default EU-bashing mode to aid local national electioneering. Many of the UK papers are rushing to join in.