A. Dentists qualify with the same knowledge ( approx) but the training varies drammatically depending on how much investment they are willing to put into costly postgraduate training courses.  Due to the poor fees paid to NHS dentists per type of treatment they tend to have to keep their heads down and work incredibly hard.  Apicectomies are difficult to successfully carry out.  If I required one I would seek an endodontist to treat me.  Your local dentist should be able to refer you to a local endodontist  – the fee sounds about right for this type of intricate work ( truly microsurgery)