I used to go to this dentist as a child. I remained on there records since. I had a really painful toothache in a molar tooth that had a filing done from another dentist a few years ago. I initially rang the emergency dental line but was 30in the queue. So I rang this practice for an emergency appointment. on a Friday morning. I was told I could have it done in the afternoon around 3pm. I took the day off work due to the pain. The receptionist mentioned she would ring to confirm. she rang back saying sorry the dentist said we cant do it today and told me to come in on Monday. I reluctantly agreed. I remained in pain over the weekend. Come Monday afternoon I paid £50 and had a whole drilled into my previous filling, the pain was reduced and temporary filled. The service was good on the day by the dentist. I was told I would probably need root canal or have the tooth taken out. I asked how much would it cost. I was told by the dentist to ring back after mid July and inquire (when the prices had increased coincidently). I rang straight after mid July as the temporary filling was starting to give me the same nerve pain as before. I was told 2 weeks from now and to pay in advance around £32 for check up charge ONLY.. Due to my pain I asked could it not be done earlier as the temporary filling needing replacing with a permanent 1. (It had been 2-3 weeks now it had been left in). I was told the receptionist would ring me if any cancellations came up. I remained in pain for another week. I rang several times and was told sorry No cancellations. I decided to walk into the practice 8:30 am and plea in person, other customers were present, sat at the reception. I spoke to the receptionist that It had been over 1 month since I paid for this Temporary filling. I am in pain. I am finding it difficult since then at work. You have not rang regarding any cancellations etc. I was told we are sorry and because it was summer holidays. I returned home only to receive a phone call 5 minutes later that a cancellation had come up for that afternoon (what a coincidence). I happily agreed to take it. returned to practice from work that day to sit in the dentist chair with the same dentist. It must have taken no less than 5 minutes for "the Compulsory check up", prodded my teeth and gums. quick xray and said the x ray shows 4 other areas where we would advice filings, ONLY 2 DARK SHADES WERE VISIBLE, the other 2 I couldn't see on the xray. Now Head Dentist said the cost of total treatment £800. the cost of just the root canal around £280. I couldn't afford the treatment at the time. I needed just the root canal. enquired about NHS Charge. was shown chart on the wall stating band 2 treatment under £60 root canal. I was told I am eligible but practice doesn't do NHS treatment. Only private. I was then taken to the reception to discuss finance options. I was given a form stating that I agreed to the treatment of £800. I declined to sign. (For I wanted as second opinion) ………..
Original Comment Report...

After missing an appointment due to unforeseen circumstances involving my mother I was struck off. In life one has choices to make; yourself or a loved one who requires more urgent attention. My mother who is undergoing treatment for her vision had a change of plans at the last minute which meant my appointment coincided with hers. My mother needs urgent treatment or she could lose her eyesight. We are humans, we can get forgetful when more pressing priorities than a "clean and polish" suddenly come up!. Even after pleading this to the practice manager with an offer to show the hospital appointment letter, I was thrown off the register. Very rude staff and manager. Their phone manner is totally unprofessional and based on this horrible experience, a cold heartless bunch. As a fellow health care professional, if I had the cold attitude these guys have towards my patients, I would have no patients left!
Original Comment Report...