Dental Treatment

You need to register with a dentist to get check-ups and treatment.

Some dentists do not take new NHS patients, so you may have to wait or go to a private dentist.

To find an NHS dentist:

• Use the NHS Dentist Finder

• Type in your postcode or town to find dentists near to where you live

To register, call a local dental practice that offers NHS treatment and ask if they are taking new NHS patients. You do not need proof of address or immigration status.

You will still have to pay for treatment if you are registered with an NHS dentist. Most NHS dental treatments are cheaper than private dentists and prices follow NHS bands.

You can see NHS price bands on the NHS website.

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Some people do not have to pay, for example:

• Children and teenagers under 18

• Pregnant women or women who had a baby in the last 12 months

• People on certain benefits

You can see the full list of people who do not have to pay on the NHS website.

There are not enough NHS dentists for everyone.

Many dental practices are full and cannot take new NHS patients.

You may have to wait, join a waiting list, or go to a private dentist.

Keep checking the NHS website for updates or call dental practices and ask about waiting lists.

If you have a dental emergency, like bad pain, swelling, or bleeding, you can still get help even if you are not registered with a dentist.

Call 111 for advice. They can tell you where to go for urgent dental care.

You can contact private dental practices directly to ask about costs and registration. Most private practices offer check-ups, routine treatment, and emergency care.