Finding an NHS dentist in England

This page provides information on finding an appointment with an NHS dentist in England, including a summary of guidance from the NHS and Healthwatch websites. It also provides information on NHS dental charges.

Do people need to register with a dentist?

Unlike with GP surgeries, there is no system of registration for dental practices. A dental practice might ask people to join a waiting list or fill in a ‘registration form’, but this does not mean they are guaranteed an NHS appointment with the same practice in future. Many practices offer both NHS and private appointments, so people may need to specify that they would like an NHS appointment.

Dentists do not have catchment areas. This means people don’t have to see their nearest or local dentist. People looking for a dentist can try different areas that are convenient for them, such as near their place of work or study.

Finding a dentist online

The NHS find a dentist search tool lists dental practices within the local area of a postcode, town or city. Each listing includes the address and contact details of the practice, whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients and when this information was last updated.

It’s now a requirement for dental practices to update their information on the search tool regularly, but if information is not available people can contact the practice directly.

The Library’s constituency data dashboard: dentists and dental practices provides a map and list of dental practices in each constituency. It also provides information on the percentage of people in the constituency that have seen a dentist recently, and how the number of dentists has changed over time.

Urgent or emergency treatment

The NHS webpage on how to find an NHS dentist in an emergency advises people to call their usual dentist, or find a dentist near them and ask for an emergency appointment, or contact NHS 111. It also says a pharmacist may also be able to help with teeth and gum problems or provide advice on whether someone needs to see a dentist.

The webpage also sets out when people should attend A&E or call 999 for dental problems. NHS 111 can advise people on whether to attend A&E if they aren’t sure.

What if someone can’t find a dentist?

The NHS website says people may find it difficult to find a local dentist offering NHS appointments. It says that if this is the case, people can contact their local integrated care board (ICB), which manages local dental services and may be able to tell people where they can get a local appointment.

NHS dental charges

Patients pay a contribution towards the cost of their NHS dental treatment. Dental charges are subject to change. See the NHS webpage on how much NHS dental treatment costs for up-to-date information.

The NHS page on who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs sets out:

• who can get free NHS dental treatment
• how to get free NHS dental treatment
• who can get help with some of the cost of NHS dental treatment
• how to request a refund for NHS dental treatment

The NHS Business Services Authority has an online tool for checking entitlement to help with health costs.

The NHS webpage on dental services available on the NHS explains that treatments deemed “clinically necessary” are available on the NHS. It says dentists must make clear which treatments are available on the NHS, which can only be provided privately, and the costs associated with each.

Further Information

The Commons Library briefing paper on NHS dentistry in England provides more in-depth, contextual information on government policy, dental contracts and provision.

About the author: Katherine Garratt is a researcher specialising in mental health at the House of Commons Library.

Disclaimer

The Commons Library does not intend the information in this article to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. We have published it to support the work of MPs. You should not rely upon it as legal or professional advice, or as a substitute for it. We do not accept any liability whatsoever for any errors, omissions or misstatements contained herein. You should consult a suitably qualified professional if you require specific advice or information. Read our briefing for information about sources of legal advice and help.