how do you know if a dentist is good

[postitgirl]

So I've been looking to sign up with a dentist for ages and finally found one who is accepting nhs patients. I've an appointment for 3pm this afternoon but I've just googled it, and it's in a very dodgy part of town and only mentions 'general dentistry and whitening'. I think I need some serious work done, should I go to someone more specialised or does that matter. I also have my 2 kids booked in for this afternoon. Also, speaking to people at work, all of them pay for their dental treatment. Would it be better to sign up with a dentist as a private patient. Sorry for my ignorance - recently moved to UK TIA

NHS dentists are as rare as hens teey. I'm with a private dentist, who I'm happy with but this is not through choice... Not a single dentist in my country has accepted NHS patients for a long time.

It's personal choice, if you can afford to go private and would prefer to do that then go for it. If your happy with NHS I'd go with that.

Bare in mind private work can get extremely expensive.

Personal recommendation, though if you have to stick to a NHS dentist, there are so few, so bite (with your refurbished gnashers) their hand off.

I go private (no choice) and am happy to do so - I stick £50 pm away for it. Even the NHS wasn't completely free for me and I found the price differential wasn't that great for the extra time and better options you get privately.