Everyone should be able to access good-quality NHS dental services. There is no need to register with a dentist. Simply find a practice that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home or work, and phone them to see if any appointments are available. Ask if you’re not sure whether the practice provides NHS care.
To find a dentist, you can:
If the dental practice you first contact is full or doesn't provide NHS care, this doesn’t mean that no NHS dental care is available locally. Contact NHS England and ask for the dental access helpline. NHS England is required to commission services to meet the needs of their local population, for both urgent and routine dental care.
There may be a high demand for NHS dentists in some areas, and you may have to join a waiting list. You can do that by contacting NHS England. You’ll be contacted as soon as an appointment is available.
If you feel that NHS England is not fulfilling its obligation to provide you with dental services, you have the right to complain. First, tell NHS England you are not happy with the service provided. If you're not satisfied with its response, you can complain to the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Find out more about the NHS complaints procedure.
You can get help and advice on any aspect of dental care or making a complaint from your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Search for your local PALS or visit the PALS website.
