No trust in NHS dentist, can I return to private dentist in same practice?

[star2sparkle]

I suffer from terrible dental fear, which despite so many visits to the dentist, has never really diminished.
I have paid out a lot for private dental care but am eligible for NHS...so with the same practice (as I'd been with them for a couple of years and given them quite a bit of cash!) signed me up with the NHS dentist to save costs for me. However, I have no faith in her. It isn't personal, it is probably just my anxiety. She has done a filling for me and a bit of cleaning (which made no difference) but I was very anxious.
Can I go back to my private dentist at the same practice who I had absolute faith in, and pay for treatment again?
You all know how hard it is to trust a dentist, and I built up a really good trusting and honest relationship with him.
I have to travel a long way to see this dentist and I suffer from agoraphobia too, so it really is a big deal. I have missed two of my NHS appointments now, three and I am struck off. I tried emailing the practice, asking for my 'old' dentist back, but no response at all.
I have to have a root canal finished on Wednesday and I am very anxious about the NHS dentist doing it, she's talking about removing the tooth (which apparently would be difficult, twisted roots) despite all the work my private dentist did. It has a temporary filling on it at the moment. There is no pain. I have had this in place for over a year and had no problems but from what I have read, it needs to be filled and a proper filling put in.
I just want my previous dentist back and I am willing to find the money somehow. But I am so worried that I will ring and they will strike me off.
I am in the UK.
Please, can anyone help??

 

[Aldridge]

Re: No trust in NHS dentist, can I return to private dentist in same practice?

Surely they couldn't strike you off just for enquiring about changing back to private? I looked at the NHS website and they seem to think there's no problem switching as long as you've paid for all the NHS treatment you've had or were in the process of having done. I do sympathise, as it's so hard to see another dentist when you've found one you can trust.

 

[Miss Partial]

Re: No trust in NHS dentist, can I return to private dentist in same practice?

Yes you can.....so long as they are happy to take you.

Miss P

 

[rob wain]

Re: No trust in NHS dentist, can I return to private dentist in same practice?

absolutely you can though it has to be with the agreement of both yourself and the private dentist.
some of the nhs box ticking can be a bit of a burden but you should call the practice and explain that you wish to see your old dentist.
explain why you missed the appointments (fear/loss of trust) and offer to pay in advance or a deposit for an appointment with your previous private dentist that should do the trick. best of luck