Changing dentists

marksandsparksgal

I have a couple of very silly questions re the above.

My lovely old dentist retired 5 years ago and we were referred to a new NHS on that had just opened up in the area. Now I'm not usually brilliant with dentists, but manage my fears ok, (no offence to you all, I'm sure you're all lovely!) but this one scared the hell out of me. Really rough, and even made my gums bleed severely and was very painful (I'm talking dracula style). I stuck it out for a year or so of check ups, but haven't been back for a couple of years, because one I was travelling and this year I'm too much of a wuss.

Now I'd like to start somewhere else in the new year. Can I just call them and register as a new patient, (NHS direct site says there are a few near me that are taking people on) or do I have to get my records from the old one? And because I haven't been to the old one for so long, is it possible to get 'barred' from a local authority for NHS services? And will the new practice look badly upon me because I've changed? And is there such a thing as a review site for dentistry online?

I'm terrified, as I've got a couple of tiny back dots which I assume will be fillings (have never had anything done and am 24, so guess it was going to happen sooner or later!)

Any info would be very much appreciated!

m&sgal

Toothsmith

Dental records don't follow a patient like medical ones.

You can go where you like.

No one is 'registered' with an NHS dentist any more.

An NHS dentist will see you and do a check up and a course of treatment if he/she has 'capacity'. Once that's over, that's his obligation to you finished, and in 6 months (or two years if you believe the new NHS guidelines!) when you want another check up, he will only see you again if at the time you want a check-up he 'has capacity' to see you again.

But by the same token, you can go to whoever you like when you next need a check up.

If you want a bit of TLC and to be treated like a human being rather than a number, I would investigate the private options around you. They needn't be as dear as you might imagine, but the best time to look around is when you don't need a dentist - not when you have a toothache.

marksandsparksgal

Thank you Toothsmith - your advice is always good! I'm still terrified but will definitely look into it in the NY, you're very right to say I should find one now before I'm in pain from anything.

Where would be a good source of information to see what is a reasonable charge? E.g. my dad pays £10 p/month, which covers 2 check ups, 2 hygienist visits and xrays. Is this reasonable? Apologies for the silly questions, it's such a minefield as I've always been on the NHS and never had any problems.

Thanks again!

Toothsmith

Your Dad's charges sound very reasonable - and I would guess that paying the monthly fee gives him something off the 'normal' prices should he need anything extra to his maintenance doing?

Follow the points in my sig to find yourself a dentist. be prepared to visit places rather than just ring up. Especially as you're a bit nervous. Meeting the staff beforehand will make the place seem familiar when you go for your first appointment, and will make you that little bit more relaxed.