How to find an NHS dentist

Written and reviewed by the UK Hospitals editorial team
Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Next review due: 22 April 2027

This guide brings together information from the NHS and other official sources, listed at the end of the page. It is not medical advice.

You do not need to register with a dentist in the same way as a GP. You can contact any dental practice that offers NHS treatment and ask for an NHS appointment. This guide explains how to find one, and what to do if you need urgent dental care.

This guide is about NHS services in England. Services and rules are different in Scotland and Wales.

Finding a dentist taking new NHS patients

  • You are not limited to practices near where you live, so you can contact any practice that offers NHS treatment.
  • The NHS website shows which dentists are accepting new NHS patients. This can change often, so call before you go.
  • Some practices offer both NHS and private treatment. Make sure you ask for an NHS appointment.
  • You may be asked to join a waiting list. Filling in a form at your first visit does not always mean the practice will see you on the NHS in future.
  • If you cannot find a dentist taking NHS patients, contact your local integrated care board (ICB). It manages NHS dental services in your area.

If you need urgent dental care

Who to contact
  • A dentistSevere toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling in your mouth, or bleeding or severe pain after a tooth has been taken out
  • NHS 111You do not have a dentist, or it is out of hours
  • A&E or 999A serious injury to your face or jaw, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or swelling that makes it hard to breathe

If you have severe toothache that painkillers do not help, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling in your mouth, or bleeding or severe pain after a tooth has been taken out, contact a dentist and ask for an urgent appointment. If you do not have a dentist, or it is out of hours, use NHS 111 online or call 111. They can tell you where to get urgent dental treatment.

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have a serious injury to your face or jaw, heavy bleeding from your mouth that will not stop, severe swelling of your mouth, throat or neck that makes it hard to breathe or open your eyes, or a head or face injury that has made you pass out, be sick or have double vision.

NHS dental charges

  • 3 price bandsIf you need treatments from more than one band, you pay only the charge for the highest band.
  • Some people get it freeIncluding children under 18 and people who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.

Most adults pay for NHS dental treatment in England. Treatments are grouped into 3 price bands. If you need treatments from more than one band, you pay only the charge for the highest band. Your dentist should tell you the cost before treatment starts. Urgent treatment has its own charge.

Some people get free NHS dental treatment, including children under 18, people under 19 in full-time education, people who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, and people on certain benefits or with an HC2 certificate. You may need to show proof.

Find dentists near you that say they are taking new NHS patients, or browse dentists by region. You can also use the NHS website to find a dentist. Read more about how to find an NHS dentist on the NHS website.

Sources

We checked this guide against these official pages on 22 October 2026.

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