Dentists

NHS Dentistry has funding to see about half of the population regularly. During the COVID pandemic, NHS and private dental practices had to close for about three months.

When they re-opened, they had to follow strict safety procedures to help prevent COVID infections, which meant they could not see as many patients as usual.  This led to a significant backlog of patients waiting to be seen. Some people also need longer and more complex treatment now because of the delays caused by COVID.

Dental practices are working through their backlogs and access to NHS dentistry has significantly improved since the start of the year. However, it is still some way below pre-pandemic levels and changes are being introduced nationally and locally to support people most in need. 

You can attend a dental practice anywhere. To find dental practices near you,  put in your postcode on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist) This will advise if dentists are accepting NHS patients in your area.

You can also go to dentalchoices.org which is an independent website with information about dental services and regular updates on dental practices which are accepting NHS patients.

You may have to call several dental practices in your area to see if they are accepting NHS patients. It is not possible to request treatment by e-mail. 

When you get an appointment with an NHS dentist you can find more information about what happens next here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/what-happens-when-you-visit-the-dentist/

If you do not have online access, please try to call the NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233 which may be able to help you.

Unlike GP surgeries, dental practices do not have registered patients, which means that you can attend a dental practice anywhere, but it also means they don’t have to treat you. If you have not had regular check-ups or have missed appointments/treatment and have not attended for a number of years, you may find it more difficult to get an NHS appointment. NHS dental practices have limited spaces, and many have waiting lists.

You can ask how long the practice thinks you may have to wait. Many practices are working through the backlog of patients which built up due to the COVID pandemic.   

You could find a private dentist locally to help you, but you will have to pay the full cost of your dental treatment (either upfront or with a payment plan).

If after contacting several dental practices in your local area you still can’t find a dentist accepting NHS patients, you should call NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.

The contact centre will help you find the nearest dentist accepting NHS patients, but you may be asked to travel some distance to get an appointment.

If you need urgent treatment such as for pain, swelling, bleeding, contact https://111.nhs.uk/  which can advise you of local dental practices where you may be able to get urgent care.

There are also practices which offer urgent treatment for patients unable to get care at a local practice, but you may have to travel further. There is more information on the NHS website here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-can-i-access-an-nhs-dentist-in-an-emergency-or-out-of-hours/

In a life threatening emergency you should call 999.

If you can’t find a local NHS dentist to finish your treatment, you can contact one of the practices offering Additional Access sessions:

• Haddenham Dental, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, 01844 292118
• Gentle Dental Care, Reading, Berkshire, 0118 945 2900 / 0118 945 5555
• Smile Dental Care, Twyford, Berkshire, 0118 832 1803
• Peachcroft Dental Practice, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, 01235 – 532672
• Moonlight Dental Surgery, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 526301
• SC Dental Studio, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 550888
• Smile Dental Care, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 – 523410
• Smile Dental Care, Cippenham, Berkshire, 01753 - 577017

Please note: the dentists on this list provide a limited service for patients who have specific needs.

If you can’t find a local NHS dentist to treat your child, you can contact one of the practices offering Additional Access sessions:

• Haddenham Dental, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, 01844 292118
• Gentle Dental Care, Reading, Berkshire, 0118 945 2900 / 0118 945 5555
• Smile Dental Care, Twyford, Berkshire, 0118 832 1803
• Peachcroft Dental Practice, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, 01235 – 532672
• Moonlight Dental Surgery, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 526301
• SC Dental Studio, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 550888
• Smile Dental Care, Slough, Berkshire, 01753 – 523410
• Smile Dental Care, Cippenham, Berkshire, 01753 – 577017

Please note: the dentists on this list provide a limited service for patients who have specific needs.

This depends on the treatment provided. You can find information about NHS dental services charges here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/

You may also be able to get free NHS dental treatment in some circumstances https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

Community dental services are available in a variety of places including hospitals, specialist health centres and mobile clinics, as well as home visits or visits.

Some hospitals or health centres also help people who need specialist care and may be able to offer treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic.

You can find out more about community dental services and the people they support here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-treatment-for-people-with-special-needs/  

To find out more about the community dental care available in your area, contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233.

You will need to request an interpreter at the time of booking an appointment. The dental practice will contact a translation service and book an interpreter for the appointment.