Being asked to pay private charge for emergency dental appointment?

[Bitsofffluffeverywhere]

Having some problems with a wisdom tooth and called my dentist this morning. They said my dentist has a "private slot" today but it will be £55. But it's with my usual NHS dentist, and emergency appointments are supposed to be about £23 according to the NHS website. Are they trying to rip me off or is it fair?

They are offering you a private appointment at that dentist. Dentists have some NHS slots and some private ones. If the NHS slots are all taken they might offer you the private slot, as they’ve done here

Sounds reasonable to me

Well it's a private appointment. You can call 111 and they will assess and make you an emergency dental appointment if necessary. It probably won't be at your dentists. The emergency dental place is 45 minutes drive away from me. The dental hospital is nearly an hour and a half away.

My ex had to go when a wisdom tooth extraction failed. Depending on your local set up it might be cheaper to pay.

I’d say that’s fair.

That's cheap, I had to pay £65 a few weeks ago!

It's a pain and doesn't seem fair but the dental system isn't like the rest of the NHS for some bizarre reason!

It’s fair because they’re offering you a private appointment, so you pay private prices.

If you want NHS prices you have to wait for an NHS appointment.