Dental practices listed near you
A move to a new area, a practice that has stopped taking NHS patients, or a sudden toothache: searching for a dentist near me often starts with your location. The directory lists dental practices near you with their address, phone number and opening hours, so you can call the most convenient practice directly and ask what they offer.
NHS and private dentists: how dental care works
A dentist examines your teeth and gums, carries out fillings, extractions and other treatment, and refers you to a specialist or hospital service when needed. In the UK, many practices offer both NHS and private treatment, while others are private only. Unlike a GP, you do not usually register permanently with an NHS dentist. Practices often keep a list of regular patients, so it is worth calling to ask how they organise this.
NHS dental charges and free treatment
In England, NHS dental treatment is charged according to set bands depending on the work needed, while private fees are set by each practice. Some people can get free NHS dental treatment, including children under 18, under-19s in full-time education, pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months, and people receiving certain benefits. Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Before your appointment, ask the practice whether your treatment will be NHS or private and what it is likely to cost.
Dentist open today or taking new patients: what to ask
Availability changes often, so the best way to find a dentist taking new patients is to phone. Ask whether the practice is accepting new NHS or private adult patients, whether it sees children, and how long the wait is for a first check-up. If you need a dentist open today, ask whether they keep same-day slots for urgent problems such as pain or swelling. Looking for a dentist for kids? Check whether the practice treats children on the NHS.
Emergency dental care in the evening, at weekends and on bank holidays
If your practice is closed, an emergency dentist may be available through urgent dental services. In England and Wales, call NHS 111, and in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or your local dental service. In Northern Ireland, contact your local out-of-hours dental service through your health trust. If you have heavy bleeding that will not stop, swelling affecting your breathing or eyes, or a serious facial injury, call 999 or go to A&E.
Dentist appointment: how to book and what to bring
Before calling, note down your symptoms and when they started, any medicines you take and any allergies you have. If you are claiming free NHS treatment, have proof of your exemption ready, such as a maternity exemption certificate or benefit details. Bring any previous dental records or X-rays if you have them. This will help reception staff offer you the right type of appointment and tell you what to bring on the day.
