To be annoyed with dentist?

[DentistWhatToDo]

My last dentist appointment 6 months ago was cancelled (mine and my sons) because my son had flu like symptoms. Fair enough. My next appointment for a scale and polish with the hygienist has been cancelled 5 days before appointment because of an emergency appointment. Receptionist said no appointments until October! I pay monthly with denplan. I have bleeding gums at the front at the moment so I would like to see the hygienist. This is because I have bottom teeth that are very crammed together and need to see a hygienist every 6 months ideally. I am also pregnant and have been sick a lot which has made my teeth worse I think. Can my dentist cancel my appointment and just give it to someone else – surely they have emergency slots for such a thing?
Then not give my treatment for 5 months when I pay monthly. Did they just randonly pick me from a list of people seeing the hygienist that day - that seems quite unfair.

AIBU to be annoyed? Is there anything I can do or complain to?

Thanks for reading.

Anyone?

I would be annoyed too, this happened to me last summer. Our first dental appointment since covid (previously would go every 6 months without fail) was cancelled that morning as it was cleared for emergency appointments! I was shocked and annoyed. I had to wait another 6 weeks so not as long as you. I would complain about it. As you say, surely they should set aside enough appointments for emergencies and certainly not make you wait 5 months for another when it was them who cancelled it.

You could email so it is in writing all the reasons you have stated.
Have a look at what is promised as per your plan.
If they do not resolve it or are not meeting their obligations per plan and you feel it is to the detriment of your dental health, you can email the Care Quality Commission (CQC) They will be listed on their so you can read their past reports/inspections.

That was supposed to read "listed on their website"

Is this an nhs dentist? I'm not sure where you stand if you pay monthly but if it's nhs then my guess would be they can.

For perspective my last dental app was cancelled via text alongside a message saying my dentist had left and they'll be in touch in 7 months time to review the situation. Since then they've said it's unlikely they'll get a new dentist by the end of this year. In my county there's a 5-9 yr waiting list to register with an nhs dentist.

It's an appalling situation. I've just had a baby and pregnancy hormones really effected my gums. If you can go private for a few apps, you can stay registered with your nhs dentist until an app becomes available, good luck x

Thanks for replies. I looked on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and it says We have not inspected this service yet.

It's a private dentist. No chance of even getting on an nhs dentist waiting list in my area as they have stopped putting people on a waiting list