General Chat

Where will it be next? Scarborough showed the scale of the problem and there have been others........Is it legal for a dentist to notify his 'patients' that they have to re-register, as pte clients, given our 'contract' with the NHS? Opticians could go down the same route in future (private patients only) and we already have a mix of Pte/NHS in our hospitals ...... Are we moving slowly to the American system and will all have to have pte health insurance? It doesn't look good for our young people, does it? Lily

Nobody interested in whether we lose our (NHS) dentist and have to travel hundreds of miles, in pain? It will happen all over the UK unless we protest....... Lily

Lily, It doesn't look promising for any of us. We must hold on to the NHS. June xx

Haven't had a dentist in years, can't get on the lists - oversubscribed, can't afford private! Julie xxx

If we bombarded our MP's before the election, about this escalating problem, do you think we stand a chance of making a point (granted, they and their families will all go private!), especially in marginal constituencies......... I have no problem (yet) my superb dentist believes in doing her bit not only by having some NHS patients but also works at the Dental Hospital half a day a week, with NHS patients. She is a STAR and so efficient at her job.......**** Mrs D! Lily

hiya i have been for a check up today. i an very very lucky as my dentist practice is no 27 and my house is 167 on same rd x

Five years ago, in our four local surgeries, there were a total of eleven dentists, all NHS. How the picture has changed! We now have just one NHS dentist left who is absolutely chock a block with patients, and even he takes a mixture of NHS and private. I bet it won't be long before he goes the same way. They all take children on the NHS, but only if the parents are registered, and have regular check-ups & treatment. Carole

I thought there'd be loads of replies to this thread.....does everyone go 'private'? Or is it only a prob when teeth hurt? Lily

My previous dentist was NHS, however despite them upgrading the clients and equipement over the last 3 years the service they give NHS still could do with improving.. I changed recently to another dentist who does both NHS if you have an exemption cert and private. Was a little apprehensive but he was really nice and helpful (not bad looking either) lol he referred my son to an orthodontist which my previous dentist said couldnt be done till he reached adolence !! Just goes to show advice varies too

Rosemary, if you are on pensioners' tax credits (or anyone else who is) take the letter confirming this to the dentist and you get checks/treatment free. As one who had tremendous dental probs two years ago, I am eternally grateful that I have a dentist two miles from home. Commiserations to all who have not...... Lily

Exeter is having big problems with dentists as well half of them are going private

It has been like that in Gloucester for several years now, no NHS dentists, ours is half and half but if you don't go for check ups you have to go privately (if they can see you). Not enough dentists. Although they are now bringing in Polish dentists in gloucestershire who think the money is great. Ann Glos