To want an nhs dentist?

[WitchesBroomForMyChin]

I have only been to a dentist once in my life when I was 5. Have been trying to get an nhs dentist for most of my adult life but always seem to be on a waiting list because of frequent moving. Last time I rang an nhs dentist that had places I was told they could only put me on the books if they had an appointment available that week and I should ring every Monday to see if they have any free. I know you can go to the hospital for emergency appointments but it's not an emergency, I don't have toothache I just want a check up as I'm sure there must be something wrong with my teeth by now.

Should I give in and go private? Is it a lot more expensive?

In our area you apply to a central office and they allocate on a first come first served basis. Are you following the correct procedure for applying? Try writing to the practice managers and see if they can help you.

I have a lovely NHS dentist in Milton Keynes, was reading the local rag, and an advert came up for the dentist just down the road, that they were taking NHS patients, so I went there made and appointment and I am on their books as an NHS patient.

When I moved to this area 2 years ago I filled in a form I got from the doctors to join a list. Haven't heard anything since. I then saw an advert at the doctors for a number you can text and they will then send you test with the names of dentists with free spaces. Out of 4 texts only 1 dentist had spaces and they wanted me to ring every Monday. Sigh.

Look on NHS website, under Dentists-they'll have a list of them in your area.

Good luck. I had a check up last wk, no NHS available near me-£70 lighter! Teeth fine too - not sure whether to be :) or :(

An NHS check up will cost you £17. Depending on where you live it may not be much more than that to go private.

I have never ever had to go on a waiting list for an NHS dentist. There seem to be loads where I live

We are lucky that a local dentist has a scheme whereby they will accept any children and there family who live in the town!

Ooh piglet can I be cheeky and ask which dentist you use if you have a good one in Mk? I live here too and when we moved here there were no Nhs vacancies so I saw a private one but have been very unhappy with them. I need to go and have been putting it off as I just can't face going back to these people but am scared of just randomly picking one after the bad experiences last time I did that...

Sorry op for the hijack!

I pay £40 for a private check-up. I wouldnt want to go back to NHS dentistry due to the greater range of treatment available privately (and the amount of time taken on procedures).