How to Find an NHS Dentist Taking New Patients: A Complete London Guide

Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers how to find an NHS dentist in London, including borough-by-borough availability, alternative options, and what to do when you can't find one.

Finding an NHS dentist taking new patients has become one of the most frustrating healthcare challenges in the UK. With nearly 97% of adults without an existing dentist unable to access NHS care, knowing where to look—and what alternatives exist—is essential.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every option for finding NHS dental care in London, from the official tools to lesser-known alternatives like dental schools offering free treatment.

The Reality: There's No Permanent NHS Dental Registration

Before searching for an NHS dentist, you need to understand how the system actually works—because it's different from GP registration.

Since 2006, there's no permanent registration with NHS dentists. Unlike your GP, you don't "register" with a dental practice permanently. The arrangement between you and your dentist only lasts for your current course of treatment.

"The arrangement between a dentist and patient only lasts as long as your course of treatment. It doesn't give you the right to stay permanently registered with the same dental practice." — Healthwatch

What this means in practice:

• Completing a registration form doesn't guarantee future NHS access
• A dentist may keep you on an informal recall list, but isn't obligated to
• "Accepting NHS patients" now includes the phrase "where availability allows"
• You may need to search again for your next course of treatment

Step-by-Step: How to Find an NHS Dentist

Step 1: Use the NHS Find a Dentist Tool

The official starting point is the NHS website's dentist finder.

How to use it:

1. Visit NHS Find a Dentist
2. Enter your postcode, town, or city
3. Check which practices show "accepting new NHS patients"
4. Note when each practice's information was last updated
5. Call multiple practices—don't stop at the first one

"You can contact any dental surgery you choose. Unlike GP practices, dental practices do not have catchment areas." — NHS.uk

Pro tip: Consider dentists near your workplace or place of study, not just your home. Since there are no catchment areas, you can register with any practice across England.

Step 2: Call Practices Directly

The NHS website may not reflect real-time availability. When you call:

• Ask specifically for NHS appointments—many practices offer both NHS and private
• Ask about waiting lists and typical wait times
• Be persistent—if one practice can't help, try the next
• Try at different times—availability can change daily

Step 3: Contact Your Local Integrated Care Board (ICB)

If you've tried multiple practices without success, your local ICB may be able to help find available appointments.

London ICB Contact Details:

"Integrated Care Boards manage dental services in your area and may be able to tell you where you can get a local dental appointment." — NHS England

Step 4: Use NHS 111 for Urgent Needs

If you have an urgent dental problem, NHS 111 can help you access care even without a regular dentist.

• Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Can locate urgent dental services near you
• Can book emergency appointments when clinically appropriate

Note: Urgent dental care costs £27.40 on the NHS, unless you qualify for free treatment.

NHS Dental Availability Across London Boroughs

Access to NHS dentistry varies dramatically across London. Understanding which areas have better availability can help you find care faster.

Borough Comparison

"Access to dentistry varies dramatically from borough to borough in London, showing a widening inequalities gap." — London Assembly Health Committee

The London Paradox

Despite having 27.6 dentists per 100,000 people (above the England average of 26.2) and the lowest vacancy rate nationally (15%), London still has significant access problems. This is because:

• NHS contracts limit how many patients dentists can see
• High demand outstrips available NHS appointments
• Many dentists prioritise private work due to financial pressures

What to Do When You Can't Find an NHS Dentist

If you've exhausted the standard options, these alternatives can help.

Option 1: London Dental Schools (Free Treatment)

London's three major dental schools offer free NHS treatment provided by supervised dental students. The trade-off is longer appointment times (1.5-2.5 hours) and potential waiting lists.

Royal London Dental Hospital (Whitechapel)

"Treatment provided for free. The cost is in your time and commitment." — Barts Health NHS Trust

Important: The Royal London Dental Hospital does NOT provide emergency dental care. They strongly advise registering with a regular dentist in addition to using the student clinic.

Guy's Hospital Dental Services (London Bridge)

"Free routine treatments by undergraduate dental students supervised by senior staff members." — Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust

Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL)

A specialist dental hospital associated with UCL. Contact via the UCLH website for patient enquiries.

Option 2: NHS Low Income Scheme

If you can't find an NHS dentist and need to pay for private treatment, the NHS Low Income Scheme can help reduce costs.

Two certificate types:

How to apply:

1. Complete the HC1 form online at NHSBSA or request by post
2. You don't need to be on benefits to qualify
3. Decision typically within 3-4 weeks
4. If you've already paid, claim refunds using the HC5 form within 3 months

Helpline: 0300 330 1343

"It is not necessary to be in receipt of any benefits in order to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme." — NHSBSA

Option 3: Community Dental Services

Community Dental Services (CDS) provide specialist NHS dental care for people who cannot access regular dental practices due to:

• Learning disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Severe dental anxiety
• Homelessness
• Living in secure settings

Key points:

• Referral-only service (you cannot self-refer)
• NHS standard charges still apply
• Contact your ICB or GP for referral

NHS Dental Costs

Once you find an NHS dentist, treatment costs are standardised across England.

NHS Dental Charge Bands (From April 2025)

"NHS dental charges in England increased by 2.35% on 1 April 2025." — NHS BSA

Important: You only pay one charge per course of treatment, even if you need multiple appointments or treatments across different bands.

Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?

You qualify for 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 Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA
• Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Receive Universal Credit with earnings of £435 or less (£935 if you have a child element)
• Hold a valid HC2 certificate

"It's your own responsibility to check that you're entitled before claiming free dental treatment. If you claim free treatment that you're not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100." — NHSBSA

Recent Improvements: 700,000 Extra Urgent Appointments

The government has committed to 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments per year through 2028-29, available from April 2025.

How to access these appointments:

• Contact your usual dental practice, OR
• Call NHS 111 if you don't have a regular dentist

Who can use them:

NHS patients experiencing urgent dental problems including:

• Infections and abscesses
• Severe toothache
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Other urgent dental issues

"Dental patients to benefit from 700,000 extra urgent appointments... targeted at 'dental deserts' with particularly low access." — Gov.uk

Major contract reforms are also coming in April 2026, including:

• Mandatory urgent care provision for NHS practices
• New treatment pathways for complex needs
• Improved payment for emergency and complex treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register with any NHS dentist in England?

Yes. Unlike GP practices, NHS dental practices do not have catchment areas. You can contact any practice across England, regardless of where you live. Consider dentists near your workplace or study location for convenience.

Why can a dentist see me privately but not on the NHS?

NHS dental contracts limit how many patients a practice can see under the NHS each year. Once a practice reaches its contracted limit, it cannot take on more NHS patients—but may still have capacity for private appointments. This is why the same practice might offer you a private appointment but have no NHS availability.

How long will I have to wait for an NHS dental appointment?

Wait times vary significantly by location and type of care needed. Current data suggests waits of 6 months to 2 years are common across the UK. In London, some boroughs have better availability than others—Lewisham has the highest access (53% of adults seen in 24 months) while Tower Hamlets has the lowest (26%).

What should I do if I have a dental emergency but can't find a dentist?

Call NHS 111 immediately—they're available 24/7 and can locate urgent dental services near you. Do NOT go to A&E for dental problems unless you have severe facial trauma or swelling affecting your breathing. Most A&E departments cannot treat dental issues.

Are dental school treatments as good as regular dentists?

Yes—dental students are closely supervised by qualified dentists and senior staff. The quality of care is high, though appointments take longer (1.5-2.5 hours vs 20-30 minutes). The trade-off for free treatment is time commitment and potential waiting lists.

What happens if I'm charged but should have received free treatment?

You can claim a refund using form HC5(D) within 3 months of payment. Download it from the NHSBSA website or collect from Jobcentres, GP practices, or pharmacies. Include your original NHS receipt and proof of exemption.

Will the situation improve?

The government's contract reforms coming in April 2026 aim to improve access, with mandatory urgent care provision and better funding for complex treatments. The 700,000 extra urgent appointments from 2025 are also designed to help. However, the British Dental Association estimates total unmet need at 13 million people, so significant challenges remain.

Quick Reference: Key Contacts

Find NHS Dentists Near You

Finding an NHS dentist in London is challenging, but not impossible. Use our search to find dental practices accepting NHS patients in your area—we include real-time availability data to help you find care faster.

Whether you're looking for routine check-ups or need urgent care, knowing your options and being persistent with your search gives you the best chance of accessing NHS dental treatment.