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Dentists

Registering with a dentist

You can register with a dental surgery as either a private or National Health Service (NHS) patient. If you are a private patient, you pay the full price for treatment. If you are an NHS patient, you pay the cheaper NHS costs for treatment or you may be eligible for free NHS treatment (see below).

Not all dental surgeries accept National Health Service patients. You can find your nearest dental surgery or NHS dentist by contacting NHS Direct.

Registration with an NHS dentist lasts for 15 months. If you register but do not attend an appointment for 15 months then you will have to re-register.

It is recommended that you attend a dental check-up once every six months. Your next appointment will either be allocated at your previous appointment or your dentist will send you a letter informing you when it is.

Your six-monthly appointment will usually consist of a general check-up, and often an appointment with a hygienist to clean your teeth.

If you are having specific problems with your teeth or gums then mention it to your dentist. If there are any complicated problems then the dentist will refer you to a specialist. Ask to book an interpreter if you need one.

You should be punctual for appointments. The appointment system ensures that patients can see a dentist. Lateness causes a disruption to this system and may mean that you need to make another appointment to be seen by a dentist at a later date.

Emergency Dental Treatment

If you experience a dental problem in between your dental check-ups then contact your dental surgery to arrange an appointment.

If you require emergency dental attention at a time when your dental surgery is not open, then telephone your dental surgery where there will be an answering machine message giving information about an out-of-hours / emergency dental service covering your area.

If you are not registered with a dental surgery or are away from your area, contact NHS Direct for advice.

Are you eligible for NHS Dentistry?

You are eligible to receive dental treatment free of charge from the National Health Service (NHS) if you are:

- Under 18 years old

- Aged 18 and in full time education

- Pregnant, or have had a baby in the previous 12 months

- An NHS in-patient at the hospital dentist

- You (or your partner) are in receipt of Income Support (IS) or Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

- You have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

- You have a valid NHS certificate (HC2)

You may also get partial help if you have a valid HC3 certificate.

When booking an appointment you must inform your dentist that you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. You will need to provide evidence that you are entitled to this, such as your HC2 certificate or proof that you are in receipt of benefits.