I went earlier in the year (Practice was closed fully and then hard to get an appt); check-up, exam, no S&P although "needed", and small cosmetic filling (mix of NHS and Private).
Not long afterwards the filling came out (between two teeth, not in) and I rang to go back, and also asked about S&P, but told that it needed a separate (longer) appt due to CoVid/aerosols etc. Booked that for a few weeks later.
This appt was then moved twice by the Practice (I think a Dentist left or something) - and I finally attended yesterday. Did a full exam again and he sort of complained a little to the Nurse about "not knowing why this was down for a S&P". (I had not seen this one before, he said he was new. I usually see one particular lady wh understands me very well - although she was also the one who put n the filling tha fell out....)
I said, well it's OK, don't do the S&P (nicely I hope), and he just said that it is considered a waste of resources. For me though, I do see it as rather preventative and to hopefully prevent a problem from getting worse?
So it was done - but even then, there was no "Polish" - unless I am misremembering - with a tiny brush and what feels like toothpaste? I know I am whinging - I didn't in person though, saved it for here - but is it unreasonblle to hope that I would get the full procedure, having particuarly requested - and needed - it?
Maybe someone ese has experienceed similar, or a dental nurse or dentist is on here who could clarfiy for me?