Dentists

[Claw75]

although Im reluctant to get involved in what could become a serious political debate, I would suggest that holding the current government responsible for the privitisation of the dental service is not exactly on the money.
It's a conservative ideal that you pay less tax but pay for health/education/retirement/etc and the socialist ideal that you pay higher tax but get the above paid for or subsidised (but Im sure evryone knows that). The Dentists are making a fortune out of private patients and are very reluctant to take NHS work.  bare this in mind when you vote blue.

This is true but as there is no socialist political party available to vote for which might form a government, we haven't really got an alternative.

  exactly what I was going to say.  Nearest there is nowadays is Lib Dems.

[nirvana]

Some generalisations contained herein

Always find it hard to understand the prevailing wisdom in this country that we want to exercise personal choice in most everything we do, personal choices about lifestyle, buying our houses, our cars, whether to shop at Tesco or Morrisons etc etc.

But on probably the most important choice about how best our interests can be served (ie our health) we want government to deliver it and then complain when it's as crap as all services that any government has ever delivered.

Governments do armies, assasinations, posing, control and used to do policing - they don't do 'for the good of your health'.

Would prefer less tax and more choice, we are taxed to pips squeaking anyway and the services remain poor. Give me my money back and let me afford private health care.

A residual shrunken, private service (funded centrally , slightly oxymoronic I know) to take care of the truly needy would be fair and something I'd be happy to contribute a few percent to.

[nirvana]

It's the notion that the NHS is 'free' that probably grates the most. It's very expensive and in discussing the issue with many people and family members who work within the NHS, just the most incredibly inefficiently run 'business' they've been involved with.

[GlasgowBandit]

i am still in the most horrible pain, I have consumed so many drugs over the weekend I am actually feeling like a junkie!

I had to come home from work early today as the pain has so bad.  I will have to get an emergency appointment for tommorrow.  I think the dentist has made things worse.  She was responsible for the total decline of another tooth I only used her as the dentist I have been with since i was a kid took me off their books as I hadn't been for 2 years - the reason being is my teeth where

You would think u would be notified if they where taking you off the books wouldn't you!!!!!??

[JungleCat03]

I feel for you bandit. I've got a fairly high tolerance for pain but toothache is one thing that i can't handle. It's v nasty.

Can't advise you on where to get it sorted as most dentists I've been to have butchered me.

I remember a jack dee sketch once where he said dentists were doctors who went to med school, picked up the 3789 page text book, decided they couldnt be arsed to learn all that, turned to the page on teeth, ripped it out and said "that'll do me."

Incidentally, why havent they invented a silent drill yet? I realise it's probably difficult because of the action on teeth but that high pitched squealing sends primeval shivers down my spine. Invent some sort of sonic or laser drill please someone.

Good luck bandit hope u get it sorted.

[Tonji]

I sympathise Bandit. I hate & fear dentists, & never go until I'm in so much pain & delirious through lack of sleep & constant pill popping. I'll finally phone up for an appointment, only for the receptionist to say is next Friday alright, well ffs....I scream that I'm dying here if they don't fix me up I won't be responsible for my actions. I have to ring back later & apologise, & beg for an early appointment. Finally I'll get fixed up, out of pain, but poorer & none the wiser. Gotta be a better way.

Hope your out of pain soon Bandit.