To think nearly 2 years without seeing a dentist for child is unreasonable?

[Snailsetssail]

My 3 year old had a routine check up in September 2019. Next one was scheduled for March 20. Obviously was cancelled, and got rearranged for September. They have just told me this appointment is now also cancelled and their next available one is June 2021!

AIBU to think this isn’t acceptable for a child? My 18 month old will be over 2 before she has ever seen a dentist as I took her in September 2019 but she didn’t have any teach then!

If you’re really unhappy then find a new dentist - I’ve had two appointments since lockdown started...

Find a new dentist, if you can. It is too long.

Mine has just cancelled on the kids again. I've seen them for emergencies, but they say they just can't do routine appointments at the moment.

If you can afford it go private.

If your NHS you can get the check up but you couldnt get a filling if needed.

If you go private you have a lot more options.

Every dentist near us is saying they can't do routine checks, only emergencies, due to needing to deep clean the room between each patient. However, several of them, including my dentist, are offering routine checks to private patients. Makes my blood boil.

I'm guessing if you are willing to pay, then you can get seen faster. It's shit, but it's the way things are at the moment. Is it impossible to get on a private health care plan?

I’m back at work doing mainly routine check ups.
It’s the aerosol/ drilling treatments that are a problem- the PPE and cleaning for exams is pretty much what we did anyway. Dentists have always been very good at cross infection control.
There’s a big backlog of treatment and emergencies to get through which have to come first. Some places are still doing that, we’ve caught up due to being in a low need area with a well maintained patient list.

You got advice on the other thread, including from dentists.

@Gingerkittykat

You got advice on the other thread, including from dentists.

No I didn’t. That wasn’t my thread, I posted one comment which hasn’t had any replies at all.

@Bickles

I’m back at work doing mainly routine check ups. It’s the aerosol/ drilling treatments that are a problem- the PPE and cleaning for exams is pretty much what we did anyway. Dentists have always been very good at cross infection control. There’s a big backlog of treatment and emergencies to get through which have to come first. Some places are still doing that, we’ve caught up due to being in a low need area with a well maintained patient list.

I do appreciate that @Bickles. I have luckily been seen twice over the last few months due to issues.

My practice don’t offer private appointments. They say the delay is that they only have 2 rooms and can only have 1 dentist working at a time who swaps rooms between each patient.

I will see if I can get a private appointment somewhere else for the children.

If you can't manage to find another dentist I would try not to worry too much...plenty of toddler DC at that age refuse to open their mouths for the dentist so I don't think they get very detailed check ups.

Why does a child who doesn’t have any teeth need a dentist appointment?

I agree in general it’s sh1t but I don’t think an 18 month old really needs to be at the dentist anyway (unless they have some dental problem you haven’t flagged in your post).

@stealthbanana she didn’t have teeth at her last appointment but does now obviously.

No dental problem that I am aware of- but I’m not a dentist and they have never been seen properly as my 3 year old was 2 at this last appointment and wouldn’t open his mouth. He will be well over 4 at his next one!