We had a lovely dentist when we lived in Morecambe. His surgery was in Lancaster University, so his prices were reasonable, perhaps subsidised by the Uni for the students benefit.
He used to indulge me by giving me the injection first, then treating another patient, and getting me back in when the aneasthetic had taken full effect. When we moved to Scunthorpe, we went to a dentist on a private basis. After he had examined both of us, he quoted £1,700 (!) for what he considered essential treatment.
It took nearly three years, and the intervention of our (discredited) MP, Elliot Morley, before we got onto an NHS list, and that is eight miles away.
After the treatment, because my teeth were in such a mess by then, I was left with only two of my own, and two plates.
So I could say that all my teeth are my own 'cos I paid for them!