Dentists grrrrr whats that all about!!!

[dot.hawkes]

I have been to register with the doctor in my new village, but trying to change my dentist is like shovelling it uphill!!! I have had the same dentist for 19 years , I am not an NHS patient, i pay a private dentist, but even then i can;t get registered anywhere!!!! I have just had the most confusing conversation about NHS databases and waiting lists for registration, what has any of that got to do with looking after your teeth!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[spaced]

hey dot, i messaged u on facebook!

Everything nowadays is so much more diffuclt. I never forget the day I was 4 mins late for my appointment and they refused to see me. So I had to reschedule. The next appointment came and I got there in time, but 40 mins later I was still ready the rubbish magazines in the waiting room. I walked out, after some verbal abuse to the lovely receptionist!

[dot.hawkes]

Hiya yes I am going on facebook in a bit, when eever i sign in i have loads to look at and stay for ages!!!!!!!!!!

[Abdulmajid]

Join the club dotty.

However, I can believe as a private patient willing to pay full whack, you are having issues?? Are dentists in the private sector really that busy???

Don't know if you saw on the news 6 months back (I think it was national and not local) about a group of about 400 people who camped out all weekend because a local dentist was openning its doors to NHS patients.

I have never been on NHS lists, but both in Sussex and in Bristol, I have absolutely no bloody chance.

Luckily I keep my teeth in good shape and to be honest if you brush regulary, don't drink too much pop and have no gum pain, I believe the standard 6 month check up is a mere money spinner. I haven't been to my dentist for about 3 years and if I did, I would begrudge handing over 200 pounds for him to have a quick fidlle and polish and say "Mr Majid, you teeth are fine see you in 6 months"

However, if you are having trouble even finding a private dentist, I have heard it is cheaper for you to fly to France, pay a frenchie and still have more wonga in you back bin.

[dot.hawkes]

well i am shocked that it is so difficult to register even as a private patient, so much for the idea that by paying privateloy I am not being a financial burden on anyone, but I do prefer the treatment given to private patients, as the products used are far superior than the standard issue NHS materials, and that sounds like i am being a snobby cow but you get what you pay for in life,

[Abdulmajid]

I am with you dotty.

Would you really want to share a dental tool (albeit sterilized) that has been in the mouth of a peasant or Welsh builder??

I think not!!!

[Ice.Maiden]

LOL you two!!!

Dot - rather than register with anyone straight away, privately or not, have you tried phoning a local-ish dental practice and trying to book a one-off appointment, making sure they know you'd be prepared to pay? Even the busiest of places will usually be able to fit you in within a few days, and from there, you can ask the surgeon directly if he'll accept you as his/her private patient in the future.

[dot.hawkes]

Hi Ice

That's probably what I will be doing because there seems to be alot of confusion around here, I didn't realise that it would be so difficult to just register as aprivate patient, i have HSA cover thru work too and so I am paying in advance for the treatment more or less!!!

[Ice.Maiden]

Indeed - and sometimes MORE than already paying for it Dot.

I think you'll have a much better chance of getting in somewhere if you make that initial appointment - but without actually registering until you've spoken directly with the surgeon. Money talks, unfortunately, and whether you're intending to pay in the future by dental plan or otherwise, if you make it clear to teh receptionist that you want to pay privately for an initial consultation, they're usually only too happy to oblige. Also, if you can hang on for a few days, it's sometimes better to write to the dentist in charge, explaining what you'd like to do, and ask him if he'd reply to you in person.

[ronnieB]

Ok Minter we all know you hate the welsh,get over it..lol

[dot.hawkes]

My eldest son is Welsh lol by birth anyway

[~max~]

As much as I hate to say this, because I bloody love this country...I agree with Wardy!
In France, I used to pay about �30 for a couple of fillings and a cleanse, half of which was reimbursed via social security. If I ever needed anything done, I'd go back to have it done!

Soo...Go to France, get your teeth done, then enjoy the wonderful food! you can always phone to get a quote first. I could actually help with that!

[ronnieB]

Is that right dot? a welsh son. minter wont like that..lol

[Ice.Maiden]

Great idea max- but if people can't afford to go privately, they sure as hell wouldn't want the cost of getting to and from france on top! x

[~max~]

You can get flights for �20 return with the cheap airlines, Ice! If you need a big job done, I'd say its definitely worth it.

[tickledtrout]

Its frustrating. I managed to register with a dentist, even tho I had to go private, which was in the city centre. Then they started closing on fridays which is the best time for me to go with finishing work early and working 20 miles away, and then they moved to the next town and I don't drive.

[Ice.Maiden]

Lol - in that case, what's the best airline max?!! x

[~max~]

Ryan Air and Easyjet, definitely. I use them to go "home" and if you plan it well, a ticket can be bought for peanuts, really. Well worth checking!

[meglet]

I'm at a private dentists and have had a couple of appointments recently. I always make them first thing (8.45) so I can go straight to work. I was STILL kept waiting for 20mins both times and I was the first blinking patient!!!

[MrXLA]

Due to the nature of the work its very difficult for any healthcare professional (and actually in fact more so for a dentist) to run on time, however I accept meglet that essentially your appointment shouldn't be delayed as you are the first one.
I believe depending on the nature of the practice fully private vs. NHS vs. mixed will determine the liklihood of appointment availability at a time that suits you and on time.
However I would add that unless you are the only person in that day (and sometimes that is the case in private dentistry) you are unlikley to find a clinic that is always on time.