However, it is important to remember that lots of academic qualifications are not everything. You should choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable and whom you can trust to work with you to maintain good oral and dental health. Firstly, you should decide whether you want a private or NHS dentist and then check that the dentist you choose is still accepting patients. Most dentists will only treat you after an initial examination and will only keep you on their register if you attend for regular check-ups. If you are registered with an NHS dentist and do not attend at least every 15 months, you may be removed from the list.
Private fees can vary quite considerably from one dentist to another.
It is always best to ask about charges before starting treatment. An NHS dentist is obliged to give you an estimate for all but the simplest treatment, and it s always best to agree private dental charges before treatment begins. Check what the average fees are for a check-up and any treatment you might need, like a scale and polish, a crown or a filling. Whether you choose a private or an NHS dentist, you should be told clearly before you start what the fees will be. Ask for a written treatment plan, which will list the treatment and the appropriate fees.