Q. Hi, I am registered privately with a local dentist. 2 years ago, I asked about teeth whitening and paid for some moulds and gel. i was told that the gels would make my teeth very sensitive and as i was worried, I didn’t use them. The gels are now 12 months out of date so I contacted my dentist to purchase some more. I was told that I needed to book an appointment and I will have to wait until October. I asked if I could book in to see the hygenist and was told that I couldn’t without seeing my dentist first. I go on holiday in September and hoped I could have my teeth looked at by then. Firstly, is it usual to have to wait so long for an appointment, even if you are private? Secondly, what is the best treatment for whitening and thirdly, is it true that I can’t see a hygenist without first having seen a dentist? I appreciate my appoinment is non urgent and cosmetic, but surely dentists can do cosmetic work? Many Thanks.,