Question 1

How do I find an NHS dentist accepting new patients near me?

Accepted Answer

Enter your postcode in our NHS Dental Finder tool above to search for nearby practices. You can filter results to show only those accepting new NHS patients. We recommend contacting the practice directly to confirm current availability, as NHS places can fill quickly.

Question 2

How much does NHS dental treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands: Band 1 (£26.80) covers examinations, X-rays, and scale and polish. Band 2 (£73.50) includes everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions. Band 3 (£319.10) covers everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, and bridges. You pay once per course of treatment.

Question 3

Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Free NHS dental treatment is available to those under 18, under 19 in full-time education, pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months, and people receiving certain benefits including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. You will need to provide proof of eligibility.

Question 4

What is the difference between NHS and private dental care?

Accepted Answer

NHS dental care offers standardised, government-set pricing and covers all clinically necessary treatments. Private dental care has flexible pricing set by each practice and includes cosmetic treatments not available on the NHS. Many practices offer both NHS and private treatment. Private care often provides faster access and extended opening hours.

Question 5

Can I get emergency dental treatment on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NHS emergency dental treatment is available and falls under Band 1 (£26.80). This covers urgent care such as pain relief and temporary treatment. Contact your NHS dentist first, or call NHS 111 outside surgery hours. Some areas have dedicated emergency dental clinics.

Question 6

How long is the waiting time for an NHS dental appointment?

Accepted Answer

Waiting times vary by practice and location. Some practices have immediate availability for routine check-ups, whilst others may have waiting lists of several weeks or months. Emergency appointments should be available sooner. Use our tool to compare practices and contact them directly for current availability.

Question 7

What treatments are covered by the NHS?

Accepted Answer

NHS dentistry covers all clinically necessary treatments including examinations, X-rays, scale and polish, fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, crowns, dentures, and bridges. Purely cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, aesthetic veneers, and adult orthodontics (without clinical need) are not covered.

Question 8

How do I register with an NHS dentist?

Accepted Answer

Unlike GPs, you do not formally register with an NHS dentist. You can attend any NHS dental practice that is accepting new NHS patients. However, some practices may prioritise existing patients for appointments. Use our finder to locate practices accepting new NHS patients and contact them to book.

NHS Dental Finder

Search for NHS Dentists Near You

Find NHS Dentists by London Borough

Westminster

Camden

Islington

Tower Hamlets

Southwark

Lambeth

Wandsworth

Hackney

Kensington & Chelsea

Hammersmith & Fulham

Croydon

Barnet

Ealing

Enfield

Brent

Newham

Greenwich

Haringey

Lewisham

Waltham Forest

Redbridge

Bromley

Hounslow

Harrow

Hillingdon

Havering

Merton

Sutton

Bexley

Kingston upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames

Barking & Dagenham

NHS Dental Treatment Prices (2025/26)

£26.80

£73.50

£319.10