I wasn't sure where to post this, but I hope to get a discussion going here...
Dentists with vacancies where I live are rare as hens' teeth, so I was glad to get one at all after mine closed down. There were no NHS vacancies, so I'm a private patient.
Went for my six monthly check up on Thursday last week. All good, no fillings needed. We discussed a dental implant to replace the tooth he removed last time I was there. When paying the receptionist said, "Dentist has informed me that you need an immediate hygienist appointment. When can I fit you in tomorrow, it's urgently needed?" I said I was working, so she then suggested Saturday. I explained that I was working a long day on Saturday & my day off was Sunday. I pointed out that my last appointment with the hygienist was only last month. The receptionist then dropped that subject and started looking 6 months ahead for my next dentist appointment. Whilst flicking through the pages of my diary, I found my next hygienist appointment written in on 11th February, so I pointed this out to her & said that I'd come then, as arranged. No comment from the receptionist about hygiene appointments, just agreed a date & time for my next one with the dentist.
After I left, it occurred to me she was hustling. No idea why it would be in her best interest for customers to use the hygienist more often, unless there's some kind of incentive for her? I can't imagine the dental practice is in danger of closing down & thus her losing her job, as it is literally the only one in a 50 mile radius that has taken on new people recently and it's always very busy.