To tell the dentist I would like to get treated somewhere else

[Tiredmumandpro]

I moved away from my private dentist of 20 years. I'm registered with a private one where I live mainly for routine stuff but I still would like to get treated by my previous one. He knows me very well and I can't afford the prices in my new area. I have a routine check up today (mandated by the clinic to remain registered) and I know they will highlight some issues. I'm stupidly shy with these things - how to tell them I would like to get treated somewhere else? Is this appropriate?

Well they're going to know after you've had stuff done anyway won't they.

Just stick with your old dentist if that's who you want to use. I can't imagine your new dentist being happy to keep updating your records with work done elsewhere while you have the odd check up with them.

Why did you register with a new dentist in the first place, why not just stick with your old one?