There are some dentists that shouldn't be practicing, especially in the lack of hygiene department. As a child I remember we referred to our school dental clinic as The Murder House. Much disliked, and at the clinic that I went to much damage was caused to childrens teeth. Some of mine were filled, unnecessarily, with huge amalgam fillings.

About 10 years ago I went to a dentist in a country town which had a reputation for being very reasonable with charges. I didn't stay long. The hygiene standard - or rather the lack of - was appalling, not to mention frightening.

I have been to some very good dentists but you pay for what you get. We didn't have a system like NI which allegedly gives us access to dental treatment at a reduced price. I say allegedly because I have to pay private, in part, because if a dentist does not know how to deal with temporo mandibular jaw/syndrome then it's a huge problem.