There are a couple of positives to this practice I want to mention first: the main dentist is very kind and polite and she recalls her patients and their history, which is always comforting. There, however, the comfort stops. I did not quite appreciate just how painful my routine checks were with this dental practice until I went to another dentist. Wow. The force used - knowing that I had incredibly sensitive gums - was seriously over-the-top. Even when I was clearly in pain she would continue. It was clear I had a problem with infected gums, but the way she went about treating them and then explaining my situation was not great. I'd leave a routine check with a lot of blood and swelling from her 'examinations'. She was incredibly serious thereafter (not for the first time) when explaining my situation after her examination. "Specialist work" was advised; "are you free this Saturday to see someone?"; "this has gone past a hygienist"; "you could wait for the NHS...but that's usually over 8 months and it will get much worse". You'd finish with the line of "the choice is yours" but when your mouth is bleeding and you have been thrown such negativity about your gums, your situation and the expensive choice you now should make, it is hard to believe you do. Luckily, I sought a second opinion and I just wish I did it sooner. Another dentist in Victoria was the complete opposite of my previous experience. They were gentle, caring, understanding and explained the situation to me calmly, honestly and simply - not how they wanted me to react. I - and they - realise I do not need specialist work and I do not need to spend hundreds of pounds. I have had two pain-free hygienist sessions, I have had a routine check-up and I was shown exactly how to now properly brush my teeth to improve my gums. Most importantly, I was communicated to and treated to in the right way without raising alarms or causing serious pain. Please, Gentle Dental - learn from this.
Original Comment Report...

I cannot fault the knowledge and experience of the dentist, hygienist and receptionist I am not happy with their appointment policy. NHS clients can only have appointment before 4pm and as they aren’t open at weekends I have found this impossible to accommodate. And the fact that if I was paying I’d be able to get an appointment if I left early for work or on days when I work shorter days but I don’t think the policy is accommodating at all
Original Comment Report...

I had a check up (£14) while receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance, I showed my benefit letter to a lady on reception, she said I didn’t have to pay, she got me to sign a form. A few months later I receive a £70 fine! I spoke to the management she agreed it was their mistake and said she would email the NHS to have the fine removed. She showed me the screen which shows they had selected the wrong option. She didn’t write the email! We went backwards and forwards for weeks. In the end they refused to accept responsibility so I had to pay the fine. I was very angry! I would have paid the £14 for my check up on the day!! Won’t be going back there again! On the positive side my dentist was good and a member of staff was very helpful at the time.
Original Comment Report...