Best Dentists in London: How to Find the Right Dental Practice

Last updated: December 2025. Information verified against NHS.uk, CQC, and GDC official guidance. NHS charges current as of 1 April 2025 (next update expected April 2026).

Finding a dentist in London can feel overwhelming. With over 2,000 dental practices across the capital, choosing the right one — and understanding your NHS versus private options — requires careful consideration.

Whether you're new to London, looking to switch practices, or struggling to find an NHS dentist accepting patients, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options and find quality dental care that suits your needs and budget.

The Reality of Finding a Dentist in London in 2026

Let's be honest: finding an NHS dentist in London is challenging right now. Recent data shows that only 40% of adults in England saw an NHS dentist in the two-year period leading up to March 2024 — down from 49% before the pandemic.

"An estimated 13 million people in England are unable to access an NHS dentist. This includes an estimated 5.6 million adults who tried and failed to secure an appointment in the last 2 years." — UK Parliament, Access to NHS Dental Services Debate

However, this doesn't mean you can't find good dental care. London offers both NHS and private options, and knowing how to navigate the system significantly improves your chances of finding the right practice.

NHS vs Private Dentists: Understanding Your Options

Before you start your search, it's important to understand the key differences between NHS and private dental care in London.

NHS Dental Care

Private Dental Care

Mixed Practices

Many London dental practices offer both NHS and private services. If you register at a mixed practice:

"Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided privately, and tell you the costs." — NHS, How to find an NHS dentist

Important: Being registered at a practice that offers NHS services doesn't guarantee you'll always get NHS appointments there. NHS availability can change.

How to Find an NHS Dentist in London

Finding an NHS dentist requires persistence, but it's not impossible. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Use the NHS Dentist Finder

Start with the official NHS search tool at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist.

"You can find a dentist near you on the NHS website and check your local dentist's opening times, services, facilities, reviews and ratings." — NHS, Finding an NHS dentist

Step 2: Contact Practices Directly

The NHS finder shows practices in your area, but you'll need to phone them directly:

"You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients." — NHS, Finding an NHS dentist

Tips for calling:

• Call early in the morning when lines are less busy
• Ask specifically about NHS availability (not just general appointments)
• Ask to be added to a waiting list if they're not currently accepting patients
• Try practices slightly further from your home where demand may be lower

Step 3: Contact Your Local ICB

If you can't find an NHS dentist after multiple attempts, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). ICBs manage dental services in your area and may know of practices with availability.

"If you've been unable to find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). ICBs commission dental services in England and are required to meet the needs of their local population for both urgent and routine dental care." — NHS, Finding an NHS dentist

London ICBs:

NHS England helpline: 0300 311 2233

Step 4: Consider Private Care

If NHS access proves impossible and you need dental care now, private dentistry may be your best option. Many people combine approaches — using private care for routine check-ups while staying on NHS waiting lists.

How Much Does a Dentist Cost in London?

Understanding dental costs helps you budget and avoid surprises.

NHS Dental Charges (England, 2025/26)

NHS dental charges are fixed nationally. The current rates came into effect on 1 April 2025 and are expected to be updated in April 2026:

"If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you'll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you're having." — NHS, How much NHS dental treatment costs

Good to know: If you need further treatment within 2 months of your initial course, and it's in the same or lower band, you won't pay again.

Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?

You may be entitled to free NHS dental care if you:

• Are under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education)
• Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Receive certain benefits (Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, qualifying Universal Credit)
• Hold an HC2 certificate from the NHS Low Income Scheme

"You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if you're aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education." — NHS, Who can get free NHS dental treatment

Low income support: If you don't qualify for free treatment but are on a low income, apply for an HC3 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This helps with costs.

Private Dentist Costs in London (2026)

Private dental costs in London vary significantly between practices. Here are typical ranges:

Important: Always ask what's included in quoted prices. A £60 check-up including X-rays and scale and polish represents better value than a £45 check-up where these are charged separately.

"Most UK practices have increased prices by 5-10% year-on-year due to higher material and staffing costs." — UK Dental Industry Analysis

Reducing Your Dental Costs

Options to consider:

• Dental payment plans: Many private practices offer monthly payment plans
• Dental insurance: Can reduce costs for regular and unexpected treatment
• Dental schools: King's College London and other dental schools offer reduced-cost treatment by supervised students
• Community dental services: May be available for those with additional needs

How to Choose the Right Dentist

Finding a dentist is one thing; choosing a good one is another. Here's what to check:

1. Verify GDC Registration

Every dentist in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). This is non-negotiable.

"We register dental professionals, set standards for the dental team, investigate complaints." — GDC, General Dental Council

How to check: Visit olr.gdc-uk.org/searchregister and search by name or registration number. The register is updated daily.

If a dental professional isn't on the GDC register, they're not legally permitted to practise in the UK.

2. Check CQC Information

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects dental practices in England.

"We inspect 10% of dentists in England each year." — CQC, Find a dentist

Important note: Unlike hospitals, dental practices don't receive star ratings from CQC. Instead, inspection reports highlight whether a practice is meeting expected standards.

Search for practices and view inspection reports at cqc.org.uk/care-services/find-dentist.

3. Read Patient Reviews

While official inspections matter, patient experiences provide valuable insight. Check:

• Google Reviews
• NHS website reviews
• Trustpilot
• Practice website testimonials

Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on individual comments.

4. Ask the Right Questions

When contacting a practice, ask:

About costs:

• Do you offer NHS appointments?
• What are your private fees for common treatments?
• Do you offer payment plans?

About services:

• What services do you provide?
• Do you have specialists for specific treatments?
• What are your opening hours?

About the team:

• How long has the practice been established?
• Will I see the same dentist each visit?

"If you need Band 2 or Band 3 treatment, you should be given a written treatment plan to agree to and sign before your treatment starts." — NHS, Finding an NHS dentist

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Knowing what happens at your first dental visit can ease any anxiety.

Before You Arrive

You'll likely need to:

• Complete a registration form (medical history, contact details)
• Bring ID and proof of address
• Bring proof of NHS exemption if applicable

During the Examination

"A dental healthcare professional will examine your mouth, checking your lips and neck and screening for tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth cancer." — NHS, What happens when you visit the dentist

Your dentist may use:

• A small mirror to see inside your mouth
• A probe to check teeth and gums
• X-rays to see beneath the surface

Questions You'll Be Asked

"They may ask: if you have any symptoms inside your mouth, like pain or bleeding; how you take care of your teeth; about your general health and medicines; and about your diet, and if you smoke or drink alcohol." — NHS, What happens when you visit the dentist

Your Rights

Remember:

• You have the right to ask questions about any recommended treatment
• You can request a written treatment plan before agreeing to work
• You can ask for a second opinion

"You can ask them to stop or to take a break at any time." — NHS, What happens when you visit the dentist

Emergency Dental Care in London

If you need urgent dental care, here's what to do:

Contact Your Regular Dentist First

If you have a dentist, call them — many practices keep emergency slots available for registered patients.

Use NHS 111

If you don't have a dentist or can't reach yours:

"If you need emergency or urgent dental care you can get advice from NHS 111 or contact a dentist and ask for an appointment." — NHS, Emergency dental care

Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. They'll assess your symptoms and direct you to appropriate care.

"You should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days, depending on your symptoms." — NHS, Emergency dental care

Major London Urgent Dental Centres

For serious dental emergencies, London has specialist centres:

Guy's Hospital Dental Centre: Floor 23, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT

"If you turn up without an appointment from NHS 111 they won't be able to see you." — Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

King's College Hospital: Patients must be referred via NHS 111 to access urgent dental care.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Urgent dental issues include:

• Severe pain not relieved by painkillers
• Swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Knocked-out or broken tooth
• Signs of infection (fever, difficulty swallowing)

Go to A&E if: Swelling affects your breathing, swallowing, or vision, or if you have severe facial swelling spreading to your neck.

Emergency Treatment Cost

NHS urgent dental treatment costs £27.40 (Band 1), unless you're exempt.

Dental Care Across London Boroughs

Dental availability varies across London. Here's what to consider:

Central London

• Highest concentration of private practices
• NHS availability very limited
• Premium pricing for private care
• Good transport links to practices in other areas

North London

• Mix of NHS and private availability
• Generally more affordable private options than central
• Areas like Islington, Camden have good choice

South London

• More NHS availability in outer boroughs (Bromley, Croydon)
• Growing number of modern practices
• Often better value for private care

East London

• Variable availability; some areas underserved
• New practices opening in regenerated areas
• Community dental services available in some boroughs

West London

• Good mix of NHS and private options
• Higher prices in areas like Kensington, Chelsea
• More affordable in outer west London

Tip: Don't limit your search to your immediate area. London's transport network means practices 20-30 minutes away are often accessible.

What's Changing for NHS Dentistry in 2026?

The government has announced initiatives to improve NHS dental access:

• 700,000 new urgent dental appointments were introduced from April 2025, focused on areas with high need
• Contract reform discussions are ongoing to address the issues that make NHS dentistry financially unviable for many practices
• Supervised toothbrushing schemes have been rolled out in schools in deprived areas

While these changes are positive, significant challenges remain. We'll update this guide as new developments are announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register with a dentist?

You don't formally "register" with a dentist like you do with a GP. However, practices keep patient databases and may prioritise existing patients for appointments.

"You do not need to register with a dentist in the same way as a GP because you're not bound to a catchment area." — NHS, Finding an NHS dentist

Can I go to any dentist in London?

Yes. Unlike GPs, there are no catchment areas for dentists. You can register with any practice that accepts you, regardless of where you live.

How often should I see a dentist?

Your dentist will recommend a check-up interval based on your oral health — typically every 6-24 months. Children and those at higher risk may need more frequent visits.

What if I'm nervous about visiting the dentist?

Many practices offer:

• Extra time for nervous patients
• Detailed explanations before procedures
• Sedation options for anxious patients
• Breaks during treatment when needed

Let the practice know about your anxiety when booking — they can accommodate your needs.

Can I switch dentists?

Yes, you can switch practices at any time. Simply contact your new chosen practice to register. You don't need to inform your previous dentist, though requesting your dental records to transfer can be helpful.

What happens if I need specialist treatment?

Your dentist can refer you to specialists for treatments like orthodontics, oral surgery, or implants. Some practices have in-house specialists; others refer externally.

When will NHS dental charges change?

NHS dental charges are typically updated each April. The current rates (from April 2025) are expected to be revised in April 2026. We'll update this guide when new rates are announced.

Find a Dentist in London Today

Finding the right dentist in London takes effort, but it's worth investing time to find a practice that meets your needs. Whether you're seeking NHS care, prefer private treatment, or want the flexibility of both, quality dental care is available.

Your next steps:

1. For NHS care: Use the NHS dentist finder, call practices directly, and contact your ICB if needed
2. For private care: Research practices, compare prices, check reviews and GDC registration
3. For urgent care: Contact your dentist or call NHS 111

Don't put off dental care due to access challenges. Regular check-ups prevent small problems from becoming expensive emergencies. Start your search today and take control of your dental health.