Inexpensive Private Dentists/W. Yorkshire

Hello all!

Basically, due to unforeseen circumstances I've been unable to attend an appointment I'd made months ago with an NHS dentist, and I've got serious dental issues right now (including a couple of broken teeth and cavities). Because I missed the appointment with said dentist, I've basically been told that I will not be accepted at their office, which I think is a bit severe, but anyway.... it's  gotten to the point where I really can't wait any longer, so my hubby and I are just going to go ahead and go private. The thing is, I worry we just don't have the funds for it. All I hear from my in-laws is that the dentists they see (all private dentists) are very expensive, and this has me feeling a bit worried that in order to get these problems taken care of, we're going to be spending hundreds of pounds (at least).

So for you expats here in W. Yorkshire, what have your experiences cost-wise with private dentists been, and are there any you'd recommend? We've got little money, I have not been able to find another NHS dentist accepting patients in our area, and I am seriously concerned that we're going to end up with a hefty bill for what needs doing.

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thank you so much!

Hiya, sorry I didn't see this until now.

NHS dentists are very strict about no show patients.  I don't know which NHS dentist you had, I'm in West Yorks and my NHS dentist has the same policy - I think they are just tired of time wasters (not saying you are) and queues of people waiting to get on lists.  If you couldn't show, you should have called...

Anyway that's besides the point.  I've never been to a private dentist here, but just wanted to say that no matter the cost, I wouldn't mess around with waiting - it will just get more expensive.  I don't have much money either so I know what it's like, but you probably will just have to suck it up and get it taken care of.  Or just go in and ask for a rough estimate of how much it would be.

No matter what though, I'd get it sorted.  Good luck!! 

Bluewillow, wish I could help!  I'm in West Yorks & getting a dentist for me & hubby remains on my lengthy 'to do' list.  Was having a conversation at work about NHS dentistry recently -- openings with NHS dentists seem to be few & far between here.  My workmates told me the dental college (in Leeds) does offer some emergency dental treatments where they can get you in quickly & inexpensively.  You would have supervised dental students working on you.  I've heard mixed reviews both good & bad about going that route, however.

Thank you for your responses! I really appreciate it. I would've called the office had I been aware that I was missing the appointment. I was misinformed about the date of the appointment, unfortunately, so it wasn't until after I'd missed it that I realized I'd had the date wrong.  Well, my hubby and I will be calling around to get estimates from a few different dentists in the area. Hopefully I'll be able to find someone quickly!

Thank you again!

Kristle (a.k.a. Bluewillow)