Another dentist one, sorry

[MyOtherNameIsBetter]

I can't quite think how to phrase my AIBU yet so i'll just start typing to illustrate what I mean

My DH is scared of dentists. He hadn't been for a few years so went round a few to try to register. He had 3 check ups. One dentist gave him a whole plan of extensive work that needed doing. One said he needed entirely different treatments and to see his GP as it looked like he had cancer of the tongue (he didn't). One said he needed no treatment (guess which dentist he registered with!)

My own experience - I have been registered with lots and lots of dentists due to moving around plus I am now at a practice where it seems common for newly qualified dentists to train up and move on (so much so that I have had to complain about never seeing the same dentist twice). I have had many, many fillings, and many fillings replaced seemingly needlessly. (Obviously I admit I am not a dentist and perhaps they were all necessary but I have just had a feeling sometimes that the treatments were not truly required)

Now I have just seen on one of tonights threads that dentists get points for doing treatments towards their target. This is what I have always inwardly suspected!!

So AIBU to get a second opinion at a different practice if my children or I ever need significant work? Is this actually allowed? I just feel uncomfortable putting my 100% trust into a dentist who may be being motivated by targets

(PS: I am not against young or trainee dentists, far from it. One of them took pity on my mahousive incisors and ground them down for me despite all previous dentists saying it was a 'waste of time' and I needed veneers. It's the best £35 I've ever spent)

dentists are not motivated by targets

If you aren't happy about your surgery, ask around for recommendations (Facebook local page is a good start) Family, friends etc. Go on recommendation and then trust what your dentist has to say. Im sure that when your DH gets to see the same dentist it will get easier! x

OP The reason dentists do their initial year and then move on is that there was a contract change in 2006 which means surgeries cannot expand so if they are a training practice the dentist has to move on at the end of their Foundation Year to make room for the next Foundation Dentist.It sounds like you are at a training practice. There will be other dentists at the practice who are less likely to be moving on each year. You can ask to be seen by one of them if you want to see the same person every time.

As far as dentists getting points for treatment there are only 3 bands on the NHS and dentists get paid the same if they do 1 or 8 fillings so there is no incentive for us to say you need more treatment under the NHS.

Absolutely you can get a second opinion any time you want. There is no such thing as registration with an NHS dentist. Strictly speaking you are only a patient of that dentist whilst having a course of treatment.

It's much more difficult to comment on your DH's differing treatment plans without seeing them.