How to Find an NHS Dentist Near You

If you've ever glanced at NHS dental services and felt overwhelmed, you're not alone. Understanding how to find and register with an NHS dentist is essential for accessing affordable dental care in the UK. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know.

1. Understanding NHS dental services

The NHS provides dental services across the UK, but availability can vary significantly by region. NHS dentists offer a range of treatments at set prices, making dental care more accessible for everyone.

There are three NHS dental charge bands:

• Band 1 (£26.80): Examination, diagnosis, and preventive care
• Band 2 (£73.50): Fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment
• Band 3 (£319.10): Crowns, dentures, and bridges

2. How to find an NHS dentist

Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be challenging, especially in certain areas. Here are your options:

• Use the NHS website's "Find a dentist" tool
• Call NHS 111 for help finding a dentist
• Contact your local Healthwatch for recommendations
• Use MyNextDentist to search for available practices

3. What to do if you can't find an NHS dentist

If you're struggling to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, don't give up. Many practices have waiting lists, and availability changes regularly.

Consider these alternatives:

• Register with a practice's waiting list
• Look at practices slightly further from your home
• Consider a mixed NHS/private practice
• Contact NHS England to request help

4. Registering with an NHS dentist

Once you've found a practice, registering is straightforward. You'll need to:

1. Contact the practice to confirm they're accepting patients
2. Complete a registration form
3. Provide your NHS number (if you have one)
4. Book your first appointment

Remember, you don't need proof of address or ID to register, though practices may request these for their records.

Taking the next step

Ready to find your NHS dentist? Use MyNextDentist to search for practices in your area and check their availability.

Looking for a dentist? Find one near you on MyNextDentist to find in-network providers today.