How to find an NHS dentist

England: there are no catchment areas

In England you can contact any NHS dental practice and ask for an appointment, whether you have symptoms or just need a check-up. Some practices offer both NHS and private care, so make clear you are asking for an NHS appointment.

You may be put on a waiting list. At your first visit you might be asked to fill in a registration form, but the NHS notes this does not guarantee you will always be able to get NHS care at that practice in future.

NHS: find a dentist near you NHS: how to find an NHS dentist

If you can't find a practice in England

If you cannot find an NHS dentist, the NHS suggests contacting your local integrated care board (ICB), which manages dental services in your area and may be able to tell you where to get an appointment.

If you or someone you care for has additional needs, you should be able to get NHS care from a general practice, and your dental team may refer you to Special Care Dentistry if specialised treatment is needed.

Scotland: registering with a practice

In Scotland you register with a dental practice. NHS inform advises asking at first contact whether the practice can take you on as an NHS patient. Once registered, you stay registered unless you or the dentist ask for it to be withdrawn, and a dentist must usually give three months' notice before removing an NHS patient.

You will be asked for basic details and a medical history and offered an enhanced examination; you should not be asked for a deposit to register. You can register children at the same time – even from birth.

NHS inform: registering with a dentist

Wales: the Dental Access Portal

NHS 111 Wales says you can register your interest in a place at an NHS dentist through the Dental Access Portal, which health boards use to allocate routine places. If you have an urgent dental problem, contact your local dental helpline, listed by NHS 111 Wales.

NHS 111 Wales: dental helplines and access

Northern Ireland: contact practices directly

nidirect advises contacting practices in your area directly, as not all have capacity and you may need to join a waiting list or look further afield. Once registered for Health Service treatment you stay on the practice list for 24 months, extended each time you return for an examination or treatment.

nidirect: seeing a dentist

Tips if you're struggling

• Ring several practices – availability changes, and some release NHS appointments at short notice.
• Ask to be added to waiting lists and note the date you asked.
• Be willing to travel a little further if you can.
• Remember that NHS treatment is free in England if you are pregnant, have had a baby in the last 12 months or are under 18 – but you still need to find a practice with space.
• Keep up good home care while you wait: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth and cut down on sugary food and drinks.

What should not happen

In England an NHS practice should not charge a deposit before assessing you, ask you to pay privately to see whether you will be accepted as an NHS patient, or ask you to become a private patient so your child can be seen on the NHS.

NHS: what should not happen at an NHS appointment