History wrote:Just an observation regarding the posters who say they are not registered. I assume by what you have written that you only use the dentist when you have an emergency?
Yes. Great choice isn't it?
History wrote:On a number of occasions when attending the dentist I have noticed that some in the queue are only there because they are in pain and have been told they will be seen but have to wait. One man told me he hadn't been to the dentist for years. Not sure if he was looking to be given a medal for that stupid statement.
On one occasion one of these "irregular patients" was taken in for treatment before people who had appoinments. A bit unfair because if they looked after their dental hygene through regular visits then maybe they would not need to there and disrupting the daily schedule. It's a tad annoying for regular patients who have clocked off work and are losing money by sitting in a dentists waiting room longer than they hoped.
Doesn't mean it is someone who isn't registered - could be someone who is and is just suffering dis-comfort which they need addressed. This could happen to anyone. (but do agree it is more likely to happen to us un-hygenic people.

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From a personal point of view I have had to sit and wait until there is a chance to be seen - I would have sat all day if it meant waiting my turn.
History wrote:There could be reasons why people are not registered but can I ask if you don't go to the dentist in Campbeltown at present why should you go in the future apart from when you get toothache through neglect of your oral hygene.
Why? What option is there? Register with a dentist in Glasgow? I made the fatal mistake of missing an appointment when I moved to Glasgow 11 years ago to return home a year later to find out I couldn't register. The only time I could ever see a dentist was in the case of an emergency - as mentioned before to which I am enternally thankful for. My only option is to now travel to Glasgow to see a dentist - which I don't.
History wrote:Just trying to stir debate not the other stuff
Ironically enough, I was going to delete my post last night so glad I never as it too was trying to stir a bit of debate. Which the above is History, it's my experience but I can agree with you on the points about those who don't make the effort,. I do but have no choice which is frustrating.
I recall as a student the term "soap dodger" being used to describe students. Now seems some of us have progressed into "toothpaste dodgers"
Moral of the story - don't move to Glasgow.
