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Dentists

How do I find an NHS dentist?

To find an NHS dentist in you area visit www.nhs.uk to use their search facility. This allows you to specify a postcode of location and lists all NHS dentists in the area.

However, many people find it difficult to find a dentist providing NHS treatment. You may find local NHS dentists listed on the NHS choice site are unwilling to accept you as an NHS patient as not all NHS dentists are required to do so or their practice may already be full.

NHS Dentistry charges

From the 1st April 2007 NHS patients are not exempt from dentistry charges.

There are three bands for NHS dental charges:

Band 1 - £19.50 – this covers an examination, diagnosis (including x-rays), advice to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if required.

Band 2 – £43.60 – this covers everything in band 1 plus any further treatment, including fillings, root canal work or tooth extraction.

Band 3 - £194.00 – this covers everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures or bridges.

What is covered by NHS dentisry?

NHS dentistry covers any treatment necessary to maintain your dental health including fillings, root canal work, extraction, crowns, dentures or bridges.

Certain treatments however, can only be done privately, for example white fillings in back teeth.

For full information on what you can expect ask your dentist for a copy of NHS dentistry in England: information for patients or visit the Department of Health’s website section on dentistry.

Who is entitled to free NHS treatment?

You are entitled to free NHS treatment if you fall into the following categories:

• under 18
• under 19 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
• receiving certain benefits, including Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance

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