"I wouldn't recommend if you want dental care"

My first appointment was in February 2017, I was told I needed a follow-up appointment as soon as they can fit me in. 9 months later after many phone calls, I got the follow-up appointment in early November. I was told it had been to long and the gum-disease had progressed further and I needed another urgent appointment; it's a month later and still no appointment. I've phoned every phone number and left messages and so far no one seems to be able to help.

I'm absolutely terrified, the first time I went they didn't really take the time to explain what the condition meant. I looked stuff up on the internet. To be told 9 months later I will loose my teeth without them treating me has become a huge source of anxiety.

Yet I still can't get an appointment with them. However when I talk to them about getting in with a private dentist they recommend I stay with them.

The only semi-helpful member of staff was a nurse, who apparently answers the phones because reception passes their number out "because we answer the phone".

Nurses should be nursing not answering the phone for patients just trying to find out when their appointment is.

I get treatment for HIV as well in Southmead Hospital (excellent care there by the way!) and they've written several referral letters, but these don't seem to go anywhere other than presumably in the "never to do" folder they keep somewhere.

I strongly recommend avoiding them if you can. As soon as I'm able to get my next treatment sorted (or I've lost my teeth... whichever happens first) I'll be taking my records and going to the nearest private dentist, even if I have to take a loan to do it.