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Original poster

Nhs dentist practice who I’m registered with can’t see me

9 replies

CovidCorvid · 23/02/2022 14:50

So I rang up to make an appt after they cancelled me just before Xmas. Haven’t been seen since 2019.

They said my normal dentist has left the practice and they can’t fit me in under another dentist. Is this right? Surely I’m registered with the practice not the individual dentist? It’s a big practice with multiple dentists all of whom see nhs dentists. I did have an appt booked with a different dentist before Xmas but they cancelled it the day before. I asked if I can’t see her and they said no as I haven’t seen her before. I pointed out I would have done if they hadn’t cancelled my appt. 😀

I asked when to try again and they said a few months but that another dentist is also about to leave and they’re struggling finding replacements. I got them to confirm that we’re still on their books as nhs patients and will remain so amd she said yes.

Do I give up and go private now?

OP posts:
Crepusculum · 23/02/2022 15:10

I've had this at my practice OP - DS and I have had appointments cancelled twice now over the course of nearly a year and currently on the waiting list for even making an NHS appointment (yes, been registered with them for years and had regular check-ups) as they need to recruit another NHS dentist.

DH is registered at the same practice but private (pays a monthly plan similar to Denplan). I pointed out that my DH, who is not NHS, hasn't been able to have a check-up since pre-Covid now when us being NHS was cited as the reason for still being on the wating list (last appointment that was cancelled was in September and been on the waiting list to re-book since then). They then managed to find him an appointment at the end of April...I've lost faith in this practice so I didn't want to transfer to private there.

I've now booked assessment appointments for DS and I with another dentist (BUPA - private).

Original poster
CovidCorvid · 23/02/2022 15:12

Sadly I suspect they’re hoping everyone buggers off and goes private.

How much are monthly plans? Are they better than pay as you go private?

OP posts:
Fretfulmum · 23/02/2022 15:30

But you aren’t registered at your dental practice. Dentistry is not like GP practices. No patient is “registered” at their dental practice and so no practice has an obligation to see you. The only duty of care they have to you is to finish dental treatment if you are in the middle of a course of treatment with them. That’s it.
So they can actually say they won’t give you an appointment if they don’t have capacity. Your options are to either wait on their waiting list or go private. Majorly sucks I know

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Original poster
CovidCorvid · 23/02/2022 15:47

@Fretfulmum

But you aren’t registered at your dental practice. Dentistry is not like GP practices. No patient is “registered” at their dental practice and so no practice has an obligation to see you. The only duty of care they have to you is to finish dental treatment if you are in the middle of a course of treatment with them. That’s it. So they can actually say they won’t give you an appointment if they don’t have capacity. Your options are to either wait on their waiting list or go private. Majorly sucks I know
Didn’t know that. They’ve always given the impression I was registered as an nhs dentist. They shut their nhs list ages ago, so dh couldn’t get in. But I was still what said was “registered”.
OP posts:
frogsbreath · 23/02/2022 15:58

My dentist did this. Dentists left and availability of appointments went right down. Then they turned fully private only. My husband stayed on and paid £9.40 a month then plan for one appointment check up annually. He gets a discount on some treatments and I think hygienist appointment as well.

My son stayed as a private child patient for £5 a month, he gets twocheck ups a year.

I have really bad teeth and know I couldn't afford private costs So I left the practice and spent nearly 2 years trying to get an NH place. I had to register at a new practice that wasn't even built yet to get In The queue!

newbiename · 23/02/2022 16:32

@CovidCorvid

Sadly I suspect they’re hoping everyone buggers off and goes private.

How much are monthly plans? Are they better than pay as you go private?

My Denplan is £22 a month. My teeth are not perfect. Includes everything except lab work. Also see hygienist three times a year. It's good not to have a massive bill if you need treatment.
Crepusculum · 23/02/2022 16:38

I think DH pays somewhere in the region of £30-£40/month for 2 check-ups and two hygienist appointments per year. He's never needed a filling, so I'm really not sure if that is covered too - I doubt it?

My full assessment/check-up is £120 I think (DS £60) and then after that it is £61 for a check-up and £30 for DS. I don't think that the plan DH is on is very good value at all (unless I got the filling thing wrong) - I don't intend to go on one. The cost of fillings is more concerning for me given my history but maybe it will finally stop me eating/drinking sugar/snacking...

Nhs dentist practice who I’m registered with can’t see me
Crepusculum · 23/02/2022 17:19

Looked it up now DH pays £29.55/mth.

Original poster
CovidCorvid · 23/02/2022 17:35

Right I’ve sent a slightly moany email and they’ve rung me back. Good news is I am still registered as an nhs patient so if I have problems or pain they’ll still see me. They hope I can have check up before xmas

OP posts:
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