Dentistry – NHS

Finding a dentist

Dental practices do not have registered patients like GP surgeries, which means that you can attend a dental practice anywhere, but it also means that if they don’t have the capacity they may not be able to offer you an appointment.

 

Some dental surgeries offer treatment both on the NHS and privately, whilst some only offer private services. Even those who offer NHS treatment might not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients or be seen privately.

 

You can search for a dentist near you on the NHS website – find a dentist . This website will tell you if the dentist will accept new NHS patients if availability allows. You can also call NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.

 

Once you find a dental surgery you may have to fill in a registration form during your first visit. This is just to add you to the patient database and does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future.

 

What if I can’t leave my home?

Community dental care – where in some cases they can come to you – may be an option if you are unable to leave your home. To find out more about the community dental care available in your area, contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233.

 

Will I have to pay for NHS dental treatment?

Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where, unless you are exempt from charges, you will have to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care. The cost will be determined by which ‘band’ the treatment falls under:

  • Urgent dental treatment – £25.80. This covers urgent care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.
  • Band 1 course of treatment – £25.80. This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate.
  • Band 2 course of treatment – £70.70. This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.
  • Band 3 course of treatment – £306.80. This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work.

 

You can find out more about charges on the NHS website – understanding NHS dental charges

 

Who is exempt from NHS dentistry charges?

If one or more of the criteria listed below applies to you when your treatment starts, you’ll be entitled to free NHS dental care.

  • Aged under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
  • Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
  • Staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
  • An NHS hospital dental service outpatient – but you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges.

 

You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone receiving:

  • Income Support
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit and meet the criteria.

 

You can also get free dental care if you’re entitled to or named on:

  • A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have an income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
  • A valid HC2 certificate.

 

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) may provide help with some of the cost of your dental care if you have a low income but do not qualify for free dental care.

 

Please note: a private dentist will require you to pay the full cost of your dental treatment, regardless of your exemption status.

 

Urgent dental care

If you have a dental problem that requires urgent treatment and either don’t have a dentist or are unable to access your registered dentist, contact NHS 111 and they will advise you on next steps. Do not contact a GP, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out of hours dental care.

 

There’s some useful information about accessing emergency dental care Dental Choices website – emergency NHS dentist.

 

How do I complain about my dental treatment?

If you wish to make a complaint about a dentist or dental practice, try to resolve it directly with them first. Contact the dental surgery’s practice manager with details of your complaint. You can complain in writing, by email or by speaking to someone. Your complaint must be made within 12 months of receiving treatment.

 

If you have already contacted the practice and are unhappy with the response and / or you do not feel comfortable discussing your concerns with the practice directly then the next step would be to raise a formal complaint via NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB). NHS Frimley ICB is responsible for investigating complaints regarding NHS dentists in Surrey. You can contact them via:

  • Telephone: 0300 561 0290
  • Email: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
  • Post: South East Complaints Hub, NHS Frimley ICB, Aldershot Centre for Health, Hospital Hill, Aldershot. Hampshire. GU11 1AY

 You can find out more on the NHS website – how do I complain.

 

What support is available to help me?

Healthwatch Surrey

If you would like information or signposting about ways to feedback or complain about your care you can contact our Healthwatch Surrey Helpdesk.

 

Independent Health Complaints Advocacy

If you live in Surrey and need help to make a formal complaint, the Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service can provide free, confidential and independent support. It is provided by Luminus, home of Healthwatch Surrey in partnership with SILC (Surrey Independent Living Charity).

They can be contacted via:

 

Further information

Dental Choices offer independent information and advice on NHS dentistry in England.

 

The Healthwatch Surrey Helpdesk is also here to provide information and signposting to local people about health and social care services.

It’s also the place to share your experiences of health and social care.  Whether it’s good or bad, big or small, we welcome your feedback and act on it to help improve care where you live.