Finding an NHS dentist
The following information can support you if you are currently in need of an NHS dentist.
You don’t have to register with a dentist in the same way as a GP. Instead, you can choose to use any dental surgery that is convenient for you, whether it’s near your home or work. You can contact any dental practice directly to check if they have any appointments available. Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list or look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients.
Find a list of all NHS dentists at: Find a Dentist
This service tells you the practice address, contact details and if they are currently taking on new NHS patients, (as long as the practice have kept their information up to date).
Find the nearest NHS dentist taking on new patients at: Dental Choices
This service tells you the closest dental practices that are taking on NHS patients at this time. The 'Guides' section also offers lots of information on dental care and issues.
- Most dentists are not taking on new NHS patients and may be operating waiting lists. If places do become available, they go very quickly.
- You are not bound by catchment areas when choosing a dentist and can choose one in a different area, convenient to you, or that is able to take on NHS patients at this time.
How often will I be seen?
Once you find a dental surgery, you may be asked to fill in a registration form at your first visit, which is just to add you to their patient database so that they can continue to contact you about your dental care.
At your first routine appointment, your dentist will assess how frequently they need to see you for check-ups. This will vary from person to person, and may be up to two-years for those with good oral health.
If you are already under the care of a dentist, it is important that you continue to attend appointments as directed by your dentist. If you don’t, you may be at risk of being removed from the practices patient database.
Emergency Dental Support
If you are in pain or in need of urgent dental support, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way.
If your dental practice is closed or you don’t have a usual dentist and you need an urgent NHS dental appointment, you can still arrange this:
If you have an urgent dental problem you can contact Cheshire, Wirral, Warrington and Merseyside Dental Helpline on 0161 476 9651. Lines open at 8am until 10pm, each day for people without a regular dentist and are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays for all people in need of urgent dental care.
The Dental Helpline will assess you and provide advice over the phone which may result in a remote consultation with a dentist. If the dental helpline think that you need urgent face-to face treatment, they can refer you to a designated dental clinic where you will be assessed, and any emergency dental treatment undertaken.
Please do not visit your local hospital A&E department or doctors’ surgeries with urgent dental problems, as they will not be able to provide emergency or out of hours dental care. If you’re in pain while waiting to see a dentist, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How much will I be charged?
An NHS dental appointment (routine or emergency) will cost £25.80, unless you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment.
This payment covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, and a scale and polish (if clinically needed). Please note that further treatment will be charged at a higher rate.
You do not have to pay for NHS dental care if you’re:
- under 18, or under 19 years of age and still in full-time education
- pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
- receiving low income benefits, or under 20 years of age and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
You can find out more about NHS dental payment rates here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/
Community Dental Service
The Community Dental Service (CDS) provides specialist dental treatment for children and adults who cannot access dental treatment in a General Dental Practice.
This might be because they have a:
- Disability
- Learning Difficulty
- Language Barrier
- Phobia
- or other criteria
Referrals to CDS can be made by a dentist, a GP, a doctor or another Health or Social Care Professional.
Dental Information
The Oral Health Foundation is a dental advice service for people who need:
- advice about looking after the mouth,
- information about common problems and diseases in the mouth,
- help to understand dental treatments and procedures and
- programmes for schools and carers.
🔹 Visit Dental Health
Dental Complaints
To make a complaint, you can contact NHS Cheshire & Merseyside Patient Experience Team via the following ways:
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Telephone. 0800 132 996.
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Patient Experience Team. NHS Cheshire and Merseyside. No 1 Lakeside. 920 Centre Park Square. Warrington. WA1 1QY.
If you are making a complaint please state: ‘For the attention of the complaints team’ in the subject line.
Your Experiences
If you would like to feedback on your experience, good or bad, or if you are unable to get the treatment that you need, please get in touch with us;
enquiries@healthwatchhalton.co.uk
0300 777 6543
What is Healthwatch Halton doing about this issue?
We regularly monitor the access to NHS dentistry in Halton sharing our findings with dental commissioners, and also with Healthwatch England on the nationwide dental crisis to influence positive change.
