I need some highly unpleasant dental surgery doing sooner rather than later and quite frankly, I am terrified by the prospect. I don't do dentistry at the best of times, so could a GP issue me with a sedative or two? Thanks for any input.

If they are based in a hospital (and agree to do so), yes. Possibly but not for sure if they have their own clinic.

 

These medications are controlled substances and it requires a special license to stock and dispense them; in addition records have to be kept on all sales. In practice it is mostly just hospital pharmacies which meet these requirements but some larger clinics may.

 

You might also consider asking the dentist for pre-medication, if it is a large dental practice they might stock it.