Dentist appointment no childcare.

[Mumtobeagain1]

I had a dentist appointment in July I went to and waited half an hour before they told me they wouldn't have time to see me. I have two young children one being just 3 years old and will not sit nicely have tried taking her with me before so there dad had to take time off work to watch them.(money lost) I rearranged appointment to another day that my own dad could watch them for that appointment for it to also be cancelled. I called to rearrange now she's in nursery to be told they cannot give me an appointment during school hours for that type of appointment and now have to wait until December 🤦🏼‍♀️ I have a massive hole in my tooth that needs filled.. I have no other choice but to take them with me which I'm dreading. I dont like going to the dentist at the best of times and now added anxiety of trying to calm my daughter while i sit in the dentist chair. No other nhs dentist practices and I cannot afford to go privately. I guess I'm going to have to let my teeth rot until my children are grown. I don't understand how other mothers do it. I explained my circumstances and the receptionist didn't care. Should I call back and try talking to someone else. Maybe I'm being to entitled but I just want my teeth fixed.

Just get someone to watch them when you're there, their dad, your dad, friend etc

Try to find someone to have them. Or come with you. Or extend nursery. Otherwise will she sit with a phone? Sweets?

What do they mean that they can't give you an appointment during school hours? That's when most appointments are. What are they doing during the day, then? That's very odd.

I have tried to but everyone works. Each time I someone has the day off the appointment has been cancelled. Very difficult to get an appointment that lines up with everyone else's schedule. That's why I hoped now daughter is in nursery I could get an appointment but apparently the lady on the phone said I can't get a filling until after 3pm... weird.

She's not into technology.. last time as soon as I lay on the dentist chair she wanted me. So she cried and cried. Her sister is a little older so tried to distract her with snacks. The dentist even tried putting YouTube on but no help.

Have you called around private dentists? I have found that for some things (like extractions, fillings, check ups) my private dentist is not a huge amount more than the NHS band fees. Certainly the difference would be cheaper than having to use a few hours of formal childcare.

Could you get a local teen to watch them just for that time. Bringing them with you is really not on as you won't be able to relax.

You can't take a young child with you to the dentist - there is a lot of expensive equipment around that she could either damage or damage herself if she's not watched and can't be trusted (as most little children).

However, cancelling two appointments when you're actually there and have waited is completely unacceptable. I would call this morning and ask to speak to the practice manager and make a complaint. If they refuse, I would say that you're then going to contact NHS England to make a complaint.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-do-i-complain-about-my-dental-treatment/

I'm sure they'll "find" you a more suitable appointment.

Are you sure she didn't think it was for you lo some dentists refuse children in school hours

the lady on the phone said I can't get a filling until after 3pm... weird.

So they only do check-ups during the day? How does that even work? That is really weird and if I were you, I'd ring and ask to speak to the practice manager.

Can their dad not take a morning/afternoon annual leave? This is exactly the kind of thing we have to use our leave for

Honestly I would ring and ask to speak to the Practice Manager. Explain that you have had two appointments cancelled and that you do not have childcare easily and aske to be fit in with nursery times. Have the dates of the cancelled appointment.
The person who answered the phone probably does not have the authority to make an exception to the after 3pm rule for fillings but the Practice Manager will.