OMG, it's a dentist!

[mandragora]

Received a card recently from my dentist, saying that my check-up is now due. Immediately made an appointment. Because I have that rarest of beings, a...NHS dentist!

Yes, that's right, they still do exist and if you remain very quiet and very still you may just about catch a glimpse of this rarest of beings, the extremely shy, fine feathered, um, dentist.

So, the fact that I am actually a NHS registered patient makes it even more shameful that I haven't been to the dentist for, er, well, 5 years!

What? I wait for the reminder that my check-up is now due before making an appointment. Because. Dentist! *shudders delicately*

And what is the result of these years of dental neglect? What price am I going to pay for shamefully and wilfully shutting my eyes to the fact that I haven't been to the dentist for so long that I really couldn't remember how long it had last been and they had to tell me. 5 years! Gosh!

Well, a couple of fillings are a bit worn and need replacing. And, er, that's it. Talk about getting off lightly.

I think it's a win for genetics, though, rather than me virtuously taking good care of my teeth, as my father still has a complete set at the age of 75.

Comments

[moth2fic.livejournal.com]

My NHS dentist will only keep patients on his list if they promise not only to attend on a six mothly basis but also to see the hygienist at six monthly intervals. This is all staggered so that you only have to turn up once every three months. They don't only send cards, they phone you. Then they phone you again the day before to remind you. And 18 months non-attendance for any reason gets you kicked off the list. Still, you don't offend NHS dentists - I shudder at the horror stories I've heard about private costs!!

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Yes, I've heard them too. I am paying privately for the fillings, because I want the white ones (don't fancy the mercury content of the NHS fillings, either) but knowing that I can get NHS treatment for anything major is a real comfort.