Any dentists around?

[Minniemountain]

This is a "what are my rights?" one.
DS (5) and I are registered with the sole NHS dentist at a now private practice. Dentist had heart surgery so our August checkups were postponed.
Since then they've been rearranged twice. Our dentist is still off sick so the practice employed a locum...Who cancelled our appointments 2 weeks ago at the last minute as he had a hospital appointment. I was told to call back to rearrange. Now no appointments available but "try in the New Year as we don't know if the locum's contract is being extended."
I emailed a complaint a week ago. I appreciate it's been Christmas but I've had enough of the shoddy treatment.
So, when I ring tomorrow to speak to the practice manager can any kind dentists please explain their obligations under their NHS contract so I can quote them at her?

When did you last have a check up? This link suggests you can go as little as every 2 years or may be up to 1 year for under 18s

www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/dental-check-ups/

My last checkup was 16 months ago. DS was seen 9 months ago. Dentist had him on every 6 months as he was nervous still.

Surely if the dentists has an NHS contract they need to actually see their patients?

If you're not happy vote with your feet and go elsewhere.

The dentist is probably struggling after surgery and a reliable locus will be hard to come by. He is probably also the business owner.