An elderly lady was told that she can’t have an NHS dentist appointment today, but if she went private, they could see her within hours.

An 85-year-old lady who chipped her tooth - causing a cut on her tongue and an ulcer to form overnight – was told by a “well known” NHS dentist in Bicester that she could not get an emergency appointment “today”.

She was told to ring back the following morning to see if the dentist had space.

However, she was told “if you go private, we can fit you in today.

“A BUPA dentist can fit you in, but it would be private and cost you £240.”

Dentists are allowed to refuse treatment under the NHS, and then offer to perform the same treatment privately.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

 

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