Dentists

[Gemini]

Do you have an NHS or private dentist?

I know NHS ones are harder and harder to find. My lovely dentist who I had gone to for 30 years was highly committed to the NHS and wouldn't take on any private patients. Sadly she retired from the practice a couple of years ago. She now works with prisoners and disabled vulnerable adults, so my mum and I had to stop being her patients.
A younger women took over her list. I am not keen on her, but I know it's not a social event! She's not as good either, and the filling she did for my mum last year came out almost intermediately
Mum doesn't like her much either, so that plus the fact she doesn't have much faith her, and she is on the top floor of a large 3 story building in town means mum won't be going there any more.
All NHS lists were closed when I last checked, so it means private. Mum can afford it so it's not a problem.

This week she said more of that tooth, or filling, I'm not sure which, has come out. It's not painful but shes worried about it. We discussed it on Sunday, she phoned me about it when I was at my mammogram yesterday and again when I got in!
So, it needs sorting, because it does and because I can do without the stress.

I have made her an appointment with a dentist in the next village to us. I can park behind the building, and there are ground floor rooms one of which she will be seen in. The appointment is for Thursday afternoon. He will check it patch it up until he can do more, if it's not something easy to do that day.
I'll phone mum and tell her later.

For now I am staying with my dentist, as I really want to stay NHS, but I may look around for another when the lists re open.

[Enfys]

We are with a private dentist, he used to be NHS but changed a few years ago. We are very happy with the treatment we get, if we have a problem we can get in the next day. I really don’t like going to the dentist but am happy to go to ours, he’s very gentle and keeps me calm. We pay a monthly fee which covers us for 2 annual check ups, cleaning and any ex rays. They are always happy to spend time discussing any problems you might have too.

[Oma]

We have NHS but still pay for our treatment , had the same Dentist for years but he retired last year and a young woman took over , she is lovely makes us so at ease ,
Hope your Mum likes this Dentist Gem xx

[Plantaholic]

I am a National Health patient at my dentists but they don't do much on the National Health. The rest of the dentists in the practice only take private patients. I hope your mother finds the new dentist to her satisfaction, you have to like your dentist.

[Grauntie Mag]

We have had Denplan for years. Our dentist is a friend and an excellent dentist too so we are very lucky. I’m not sure about the availability of NHS here but I think there is some.
What a shame about your dentist Gem. Good luck with your search.

[Daisy]

Gem - I'm glad you've found a new dentist for your mum, and access will certainly be easier.

Our dental practice is private, although an NHS one is now in the village as well, but I'm very happy with our current one. He's very good, and gentle, as well as tall, dark and handsome!