Is it okay to have two dentists?

GoldenOldy

Good Afternoon,

I am in a strange position. 

I am lucky enough to have a great NHS dentist near me.
They are not always available though , as I understand for part of the week as they do private work , at a practice they own about 40 miles away. They also have lots of patients to deal with.
I would hate to lose my relationship with them. 

However, as i get older I am having more and more tooth related issues, not exactly emergencies, but things that really play on my mind until I get them checked out to the point I cannot sleep.

Would it be reasonable to engage with a private dentist for those times (like now) when i really would like to see a dentist, but cant get an appointment at the nhs one as its not an emergency.
Is this disrespectful to the nhs dentist?


I could not afford to have a private dentist in the long term, but as I have a little extra interest this year on my saving, I could manage it at the moment.

What do you think?

Thankyou

Brie

My concern would be that your NHS dentist would know this is happening and happily assume you are one more patient they can kick off their books.   I wonder what would happen if you asked them what to do if you need someone when they are not available.

Emmia

I have a great NHS dentist, but last year a filling (not put in by him) failed after around 8 months, so I got a consultation with a local private dentist to try to work out why. The filling is cosmetic and they usually last 5-10 years. 

After the consultation, and concerns being allayed by the private consultation I got the filling redone at the NHS practice, by another dentist (not my usual one)

In a "small world" situation the dentist I saw privately went to dental school and is good friends with my normal NHS dentist... This was remarked on at my last NHS check up. 

I still use the private practice for hygienist appointments

So, I can see a rationale for doing what you want to do.

GoldenOldy

It is a little embarrassing I must say, especially my nhs man finding out.
I confess to being a little afraid one of the receptionists at the NHS one, as she is very surly and abrupt when on the phone.
I have to steal myself to ring?