First-time patient, dental hospital or normal dentist?

StudentC

Hi

I've had a search through previous threads, and found some useful advise, but I thought I'd look for some more specific answers.

At the grand old age of 26, I've never really been to a dentist for various reason but I know that my teeth aren't great and I need to get some work done and also try to stop them getting any worse.

I was just going to choose a dentist based on friends' recommendations, but then I wondered about the dental hospital (Dublin). I haven't got enough PRSI credits to cover much treatment, so this might be a cheaper option?

Does anybody here use the dental hospital as their regular dentist, or only for emergencies and special work etc? Is the cost saving (presuming that there is one) worth the longer waiting times / awkward appointments / worry about having a student work on your teeth?

Also, as I'm fairly nervous, would I be likely to be more reassured at a normal practice? (I know that pretty much depends on me, but I just thought I'd look for opinions).

Thanks for any advice

fonpokno

Have you any idea what type of work you need done? If you need alot of cosmetic work done then it's probably worth looking into the dental hospital. I've been going there for years. As far as i know you need a referral letter from a regular dentist, then you'll be assessed by the hospital and then they'll decide whether they'll treat you in there.

As regards being worked on by a student there honestly is no need to worry. They are supervised and need to have anything they want to do ok'd by the supervisor. The work is top notch because if their work isn't the very best then they won't pass. I've never had any bad work done by a single dentist in there and as I said in another thread I've had about 20 people work on my teeth over the years.

The cost saving is significant especially if you big stuff done. I got traintracks and the implant and two veneers for less than half the price I would have paid privately. So if you need work like that done then it's worth it.

Awkward appointments can be a problem if you're working or very busy, most of my appointments were 9 in the morning and about an hour long. You can get them at any time during the day really but if you ask the dentist treating you then they'll usually try to give you a time convenient for you.

The dentists are all extremely friendly and explain what they are doing as they go along. Most are great at reassuring nervous patients and will put you at ease. I really cannot praise them enough.

/long post. Sorry for that.

In summary, you'll need to go see a regular dentist first to get checked out, figure out what work needs doing and then you can see about getting referred to the dental.

StudentC

Fonponko,

Thnaks alot for that reply - exacrtly the sort of advice / information i was looking for.

At the moment I've no idea what I'm going to need to get done. As you say, I'll get myself to a normal dentist, see what they say and then take it from there.
Cheers

Mink

I totally agree with the other post - it's far cheaper but the work they do is fine. I'm currently getting stuff done there & my dentist & the supervisor is lovely. I think it's well worth the wait on the list.
I didn't have a referral letter, just registered by calling them & giving my details. Even if you only need a filling & scale/polish then they'll do that as they have newer students who need to do simple things.
My appts have been at 9am on a Monday and I usually get out of there by 11.30ish. It takes longer then normal dentist as they have to get the supervisor to check you at the beginning, middle & end usually.