My partner is undergoing a course of dental treatment, the end result will be a new upper denture. He came away from the last couple of appointments with his dentist somewhat dissatisfied with her lack of communication and seemingly unwillingness to give him any concrete information. At the last appointment, having waited several months after having teeth out, he had the appointment to take an impression for the new denture. Except that she didn't take the impression, instead said that they should wait another three months. My partner's gums have healed very well and he didn't feel there was any issue with the healing.
Having experienced this dentist myself and having asked to be removed from her list because of her lack of communication and somewhat lackadaisical approach (she didn't count my teeth, test my gums) I suggested he do the same. The receptionists were wonderful and helpful (went above and beyond really) and managed to get him an appointment with another dentist at the same practice. We were very grateful.
However, having seen the new dentist (and having the impression taken for the new denture, because all was well with gums and no reason to wait!) he was informed a the reception desk that, because he is seeing this new dentist, it counts as a new course of treatment and the amount he paid last time (NHS band system) wouldn't count towards his current treatment.
Does it sound correct that this should be considered a new course of treatment, even though the new dentist is just carrying on the same treatment plan? We weren't warned about this when asking to see someone else. We just assumed that because it was the same practice and the same work being undertaken, it would be covered.
Happy to be told I'm wrong if that is the case!