How can you find an NHS dentist?
Everyone should be able to get the care and advice they need to keep their teeth healthy. But people across the country are reporting being unable to get an appointment with an NHS dentist, with the situation getting worse in many areas.
Where’s your nearest dentist?
Use the NHS website to search for a dentist near you. The site also provides information on which dental practices are currently accepting new patients, whether they offer urgent appointments, and how other people have rated the service.
While this is a good starting point to finding a local dentist, people often tell us that these records aren't always kept updated, so you should contact the practice directly to find out more information. If the records are out of date, you should let the practice know.
You can also visit a dentist outside your local area if it’s more convenient. For example, if you prefer to see a dentist near where you work.
How to get an NHS dentist appointment
During the pandemic, dentists worked to strict infection control guidelines meaning that they could see fewer patients. Although dental services are back to normal as protective measures are relaxed, they may have to deal with a significant backlog and so you might find that it is still difficult to get an appointment.
Can't find an NHS dentist taking new patients?
People have told us they're still looking for an NHS dentist who is taking on new patients.
In February 2024 the Government announced the dental recovery plan, which outlines ways it intends to make it easier for people to get an NHS dental appointment through extra funding for appointments, bonus schemes for practices taking on new patients and mobile treatment vans.
To find out more visit our explainer about how this will make it easier to access an appointment
You should also notify NHS England about the issue, as it must provide routine and urgent dental care nationwide. Find out how to make a complaint here.
What to do if you have a dental emergency?
If you need immediate care for your teeth, you should:
- Ask your regular dentist whether they can offer an emergency appointment.
- Phone NHS111, who can locate an urgent dental service.
- Visit A&E if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or face, mouth or teeth injuries.
Tell us about your experience of care
Has your care been disrupted by COVID-19 and its impact on health and social care services? Whether it’s good or bad, we want to hear from you.
It only takes five minutes and your feedback can help NHS and social care services understand the steps they can take to improve care for you and your loved ones.
How much does dental treatment cost?
Most people will have to pay towards the cost of dental treatment, but some patients are exempt.
A basic routine examination, which includes diagnosis, advice, a scale and polish if clinically needed and some preventative care, costs £23.80 now. However, if you require further dental treatment this will be an additional cost.
Dental practices usually offer both NHS and private dental care. You should check whether you are paying for NHS, private treatment, or both before you begin your treatment.
NHS dentists should always:
- Explain which treatments are available on the NHS.
- Explain which treatments are only available privately.
- Make sure you know how much your NHS treatment and private treatment will cost.
Find out more about what you should expect to pay for treatment.
How can you check whether your dentist is qualified?
A list of all qualified dentists in the UK is available via the register of the General Dental Council (GDC), which is the regulatory body for the profession.
Do note that you don’t register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP. You can choose to go to any dentist who is able to offer an appointment. Once a course of treatment is finished, the dentist is not obliged to see you in future. When you finish a course of treatment, you may want to book your next appointment to avoid problems in future.
What to do if you’re unhappy with your treatment
If you would like to complain about your treatment, please visit our advice on making a complaint. You can also check out advice from the Oral Health Foundation.
