I was somewhat frustrated earlier today by a visit to the family dentist. Not that I'm suffering in any way you understand, but my daughter, currently at home on vacation from university, is. So dear daughter has a toothache and being considerate parents we contacted the family dentist first thing this morning to request an emergency appointment. The dental receptionist was very understanding and a booking was made for 12:35 this afternoon.
My daughter duly arrived at the dental surgery and was examined by the same dentist she has been seeing since she was a tot: a filling has crumbled and she has a cavity. Examination over, see the receptionist and make an appointment for treatment.
Daughter: What? But this is an emergency appointment.
Dentist: Well we don't have time to attend to you now, you'll need an appointment.
Daughter goes to see the receptionist.
Receptionist: First available appointment is at the end of May.
Daughter: But that's two months away and I'll be back at university in Bradford then and anyway, what about my toothache?
Receptionist: I can't help your toothache; do you want the appointment or not?
Daughter: But I have an emergency appointment, it's today. I've just seen the dentist.
Receptionist: Yes dear, that was for a check-up. Do you want me to book the appointment or not?
Daughter: But I'll be in Bradford. I have to go back to university. What about my toothache? What can I do? Have you nothing sooner?
Receptionist: Why don't you let me book the appointment dear?
So the daughter booked an appointment she won't be able to keep because the dentist is in Monmouthshire and she'll be in Yorkshire. Meantime has a toothache that is causing her grief, but doesn't seem able to get treatment.
Is it me, or is this a crazy situation? Is this the kind of service we're all supposed to expect from dentists nowadays? I bloody well hope not.
Now, where did I leave that ball of string?
