Having visited the dentist, she wanted me to follow up with an appointment to see their hygienists and got quite indignant when I announced that I find them unnecessary, overpriced and a total cop-out by dentists.

Now I'm sure there's going to be someone on Hol whose wife, partner, sister etc is one, and who will spring to their defence on what a great job they do and their contribution to the healthcare system. Which may be true but............

a brief comparison of other qualified people who contribute to my life/wellbeing may show what I mean:

My Osteopath: a 4 year training degree course, followed by 5 years as an Associate in a practice before setting up on his own. On going training essential to retain his registration with his professional body. Cost - £38 for usually 40/45 mins of treatment

My local car mechanic: 5 year apprenticship, on going development for registration of MOT testing station and to keep up with new car models/technology.
Cost : £45 an hour labour charge for a multi-skilled technician

Dental Hygienist: 5 GCSE's, 2 A Levels and a 2 year training course. Cost £38 for a 20 minute appointment of which probably barely 15 is spent working on my teeth. Scaling, polish and sorry, but I don't need to be told how to brush my teeth at my age!

I also happen to know (having done accounts for several s/employed hygienists) that of that £38, she will be lucky to get half!

It's a total con by dentists to offload the boring, simple, routine work and make a profit at the same time for something that, in my lifetime, was always part and parcel of a dental check-up.

Rant over - Do you love or hate yours?