Question 1

How do I find an NHS dentist in London?

Accepted Answer

Finding an NHS dentist in London is straightforward with Dentists Closeby. Simply use our search tool above, enter your postcode, and filter by 'NHS' to see practices accepting NHS patients near you. Over 60 practices across London offer NHS dental treatment at standardised prices: Band 1 (£27.40) for examinations, Band 2 (£75.30) for fillings, and Band 3 (£326.70) for more complex treatments. You can check real-time availability and book online instantly.

Question 2

What is the average cost of private dental care in London?

Accepted Answer

Private dental costs in London vary depending on the treatment and location. On average, a routine check-up costs between £50-£120, fillings range from £80-£250, and teeth whitening typically costs £300-£600. More complex treatments like dental implants can range from £2,000-£3,000 per tooth. Private dentistry offers benefits such as flexible appointment times, wider treatment options, and often shorter waiting times. You can compare prices across different practices using our platform.

Question 3

Are all dentists on Dentists Closeby CQC registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Every dental practice listed on Dentists Closeby is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. CQC registration ensures that practices meet essential standards of quality and safety. We verify each practice's CQC registration status before adding them to our platform, giving you complete peace of mind when booking your dental appointment.

Question 4

Can I book same-day dental appointments in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many dental practices in London offer same-day appointments, particularly for urgent dental problems. When searching on our platform, look for practices labelled with 'Emergency Service' or filter your search to show emergency dentists. These practices typically reserve slots for urgent cases such as severe toothache, broken teeth, lost fillings, or dental abscesses. You can view real-time availability and book online, or call the practice directly for immediate assistance.

Question 5

How do I register with a new dentist in London?

Accepted Answer

Registering with a new dentist in London is simple. For NHS patients, you don't need to formally 'register' - you can simply book an appointment with any NHS practice accepting new patients. For ongoing care, the practice will keep your records after your first appointment. Private patients can book directly with any practice. When you attend your first appointment, bring photo ID and details of any current medications or health conditions. Some practices may ask you to complete a medical history form beforehand.

Question 6

What should I do in a dental emergency in London?

Accepted Answer

For dental emergencies in London, first determine the severity. For severe bleeding, trauma, or swelling affecting breathing, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For urgent dental problems like severe toothache, broken teeth, or lost fillings, use our platform to find emergency dentists offering same-day appointments. Many practices reserve emergency slots throughout the day. Outside normal hours (weekends/evenings), contact NHS 111 for advice and to find emergency dental services. If you're a registered patient, your regular dentist may have an out-of-hours emergency number.

Question 7

How often should I visit the dentist?

Accepted Answer

Most dentists recommend check-ups every 6 months for optimal oral health. However, the frequency can vary based on your individual dental health needs. If you have good oral health and low risk of dental problems, your dentist might suggest annual visits. Those with ongoing dental issues, gum disease, or higher risk factors may need more frequent check-ups every 3-4 months. Children should also visit every 6 months to monitor development. Your dentist will advise on the best schedule for you during your appointments.

Question 8

What's the difference between NHS and private dentists?

Accepted Answer

NHS and private dentists often work at the same practices, but the payment structure and services differ. NHS dental treatment has fixed prices across three bands (£27.40, £75.30, £326.70) and covers essential dental care to maintain oral health. NHS dentists must follow specific treatment protocols and may have limited appointment availability. Private dentistry offers more flexibility with appointment times, access to cosmetic treatments (teeth whitening, veneers), advanced materials, and often more time per appointment. Many patients use NHS for routine care and private for cosmetic treatments.

Question 9

Which London borough has the most dental practices?

Accepted Answer

Camden has the highest number of dental practices on our platform with 22 CQC-registered practices, followed by Wandsworth with 19 practices. Central London boroughs like Westminster, Camden, and Islington generally have higher concentrations of dental practices due to population density and commuter traffic. However, all 10 London boroughs we cover have excellent dental provision, with practices ranging from NHS community dentists to specialist private clinics. You can browse practices by borough using our dedicated borough pages.

Question 10

Can I change my dentist in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change your dentist in London at any time - there's no requirement to stay with one practice. For NHS patients, simply book an appointment with a new NHS practice accepting patients; your dental records can be transferred upon request. For private patients, you have complete freedom to choose any practice. When changing dentists, it's helpful to request your dental records from your previous practice, including recent X-rays, as this ensures continuity of care. There are no fees or penalties for changing dentists.

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