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:
- Search for a dentist near you.
- Text "dentist" to 64746 or NHSGO from your mobile phone. We’ll send you up to three text messages with details of dentists near you. Learn more about NHS Choices mobile.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
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 your local primary care trust (PCT) and ask for the dental access helpline. They are required to commission services to meet the needs of their local popluation, 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 the PCT. You’ll be contacted as soon as an appointment is available.
If you feel that a PCT is not fulfilling its obligation to provide you with dental services, you have the right to complain. First, tell the PCT 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.
