Find a dentist

The NHS provides the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.

To watch a video or read an Easy Read leaflet about going to the dentist, check out the Easy Health website.

Some people with special educational needs and disabilities may need specialist dental care. This is provided by community dental services. Your dentist can refer you to this if you need it.

Learn more about community dental care.

Not all dental treatments are available on the NHS. For example, if a treatment is just to improve the appearance of your teeth it will not be covered.

Your dentist must tell you which treatments can be given on the NHS and which can only be given privately. Private treatment means you have to pay the full cost yourself. Your dentist must tell you how much each treatment will cost.

How to get help from this service

You do not need to register in the same way as with a GP. You can choose a dentist anywhere that is convenient for you. Then call them to see if they have any appointments available.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you on this site.

Dental surgeries will not always be able to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.

Costs

Unlike most other NHS services, you may have to pay some money for your treatment. Learn more about dental costs.

Some people can get free dental treatment. For example, if you are:

• aged under 18 (or under 19 and in full time education), or
• pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or
• receiving certain benefits, or
• on a low income

Learn more about who can receive free dental treatment.

If you receive private treatment you will need to pay the full cost.

Your dentist must tell you how much your treatments will cost before they do them. They must also tell you whether it is a private or NHS treatment.