How to find the best private dentists in London

[mr1974]

Dear all,

I have been quoted 4500 Euro in Italy (from a dentist I *wholeheartedly* trust) for some dental/orthodontic work I need done on my teeth:
1) Extraction of 7.5 and 8.5 (baby teeth, left and right);
2) Uprighting of 3.6 and 4.6 (rectification of permanent molars placed behind the baby teeth);
3) Perhaps extraction of 3.8 and 4.8 (wisdom teeth, down);
4) Maintenance of the space for 2.5 (up on the left);
5) Extraction of 5.3 (canine up on the right) and management of the space, in forecast of an implant.

I have been seeing only NHS dentists (in London) in the last years and I am definitively not satisfied with their level of service, that’s why I travelled to Italy for an examination. However I cannot carry this out in Italy due to the (monthly!) travelling involved, and I want to start treatment in London.

Can someone suggest how do I find an *excellent* private dentist/orthodontist in London (preferably North)? Or has anyone got any first-hand experiences/recommendations?

I am not sure I should instead join one of the plans like denplans, or... Any other? Comments on this idea?

I am available to spend money to have an excellent service, given the past bad experiences.

Thanks
Sara

[Toothsmith]

Personal recommendations are the best way to find a dentist. Ask friends/family/workmates (Especially if their teeth look good!)

As for payment plans, find the dentist first, and see what systems they have/recommend.

[mr1974]

Thanks... However, I couldn't get any good recommendation.

Noone's had any good experiences with dentists in London?

TIA

[Toothsmith]

Go through the yellow pages and pick out a few possibles. Look for accreditations such as Denplan Excel, BDA Good Practice Scheme etc.

Don't overlook just the small listings - these people probably don't have to spend a fortune advertising!

Get some in convienient areas for you. Or with convienient opening hours.

Then go and visit them - to get information on prices etc. You will learn far more about a practice by going to visit it than you ever will on the phone.

Assess the attitude of the staff, the decor and feel of the waiting room, do the prices match up with the feel of the place? Can you have a look round? A lot of good places would be only to happy to take you for a look round, providing things aren't too busy - they could invite you back at a more convienient time. Ask a few questions. How do they sterilise their instruments?

Again, it's as much the willingness to answer the questions as the answers themselves that will reveal the attitude of the practice.

You can just ring up somewhere at random and book a check up, but that could well run up a few check-up bills before you find a place you are happy with.

The time spent on finding a place will be worth it though.

The very worst way to have to find a dentist is to be ringing round when you have a toothache. You will then be at the mercy of whoever has a space. Chances are that the dentist with a space will not be the greatest one you could find!