Job won't let me go to health appointment

[user07677]

I started a job about a month ago, I work in a dental surgery I have an infected wisdom tooth that I called my personal dentist for as the one I work for is private and I'm only 17 and can't afford the prices they charge so my dentist is on the nhs, I got given an emergency appointment at my dentist but is within work hours and I had let my manager know this and she refused for me to go as they were to short staff, as i obviously work in a dentist she offered for the tooth to be checked out by one of there's at some point however I know the tooth needs to come out and I definitely can't afford the prices they will charge me for having it taken out, which I now feel has taken my chances away of having it taken out, I dont obviously want to lose my job but I also don't want to be in so much pain.

Have you spoken to your mum? What does she say? At the age of 17, she really is best placed to help you if that's possible

Appreciate it might seem a bit embarrassing/awkward but I'd speak to your manager and explain that you can't afford treatment at the private surgery where you work. They may be a bit more understanding or offer an alternative

Your employer might do all the treatment for free, you need to ask.

Go to the appointment, your health comes first. Jobs will come and go, but you need to look after your teeth!

Employee might be offering to do it for free ask them

Or dad.

Just tell them you can't afford to pay privately so need to go to your NHS dentist. They might offer to do it for free. At 17 I doubt they'd be surprised you can't afford private treatment.

And no, don't get your mum involved. That's a bit weird.

Perhaps you could negotiate with your dentist /manager to go during your lunch time instead of posting on MN?

@superdupernova I explained originally in my text when I asked if I could work until 3 and then go to my appointment that I need to go because I really can't afford to pay privately, I don't feel embarrassed to say that,I'm on apprentice way I can't afford to fork out £400 for it I only started 3 weeks ago I haven't even had a pay check yet so it's not like I even could if I wanted to, when I said that she didn't say much she just said she couldn't authorise it because there to short staffed but they could possibly have a look at the tooth, but that doesn't help me much money wise and I'm still none the wiser of how I would pay or even if I have to pay, like I said I only started 3 weeks ago this is my first job don't want to be fired or something if I attend my personal dentist.

@Quveas I did, she said no I'm only reaching out on here as this is my first job I don't know the legalities behind if your allowed to attend health appointments during work hours, so was seeking advice

You need to read your contract of employment. They legally do not have to give you time off to attend a health appointment unless it is in your contract of employment.
If your contract does not allow you to attend, you could email her saying you had previously asked for time off and been told no, but it is an emergency appointment as you are in a lot of pain, not a routine appointment. That as it is an emergency appointment you have no choice about the time of the appointment - it is take it or leave it, and that you can't afford dental treatment at the practice you work for. Say you are happy to make up the time, but as it is an emergency appointment you need to attend. Then go.

Your teeth are important. Unless being sacked will leave you on the street then go to the appointment. What is most likely is they will give you a warning that will be on your file, but they may do nothing. If you are a decent employee, they will know that finding someone else won't be easy. But it is important to put it in writing and to stress that it it is an emergency appointment and that you have no control over the timing for the appointment. Good luck.

@Quveas Trust me, an emergency NHS dental appointment is hard to get. Unless you are exceptionally lucky you have no say over its timing.

You're an adult at age 18

Therefore, this is a child posting on an adults website. So my advice is to talk to your mum for advice - or dad - or trusted family member.

What if that's not possible? Who should OP speak to in that instance?

Also Mumsnet is 16+ ...

@OtterInABox If OP had an adult to talk to about this I am sure she would have. Please do not assume every 17 year old has that, Plenty do not. And quite a few are living independently at that age.

An infected tooth sounds painful, so tell them you'll ring in sick for the whole day of the appointment. They might change their minds about letting you leave for the appointment if the only other option is you absent all day.

You are poorly take the day off.
They have no right to stop you attending a medical appointment! But since they think they can take the whole day off instead.

I would speak to her, explain you can’t afford the private treatment and say that you really need to attend this NHS appointment. They may be able to do it for you free of charge, or at a reduced rate with a payment plan. You really shouldn’t leave an infected wisdom tooth - and they should know this. Alternatively, could you take some annual leave and attend the appointment that way?

Could you be any more patronising?

My private dentist treats my child on an NHS basis. Perhaps as you are under 18 they might be able to do the same. Could you check with a mentor or work buddy what the score is with under 18's or staff?