Choosing a local dentist: NHS, private and what to check

Finding a dentist involves two decisions: whether to go NHS, private or a mix of both, and which practice to trust with your teeth. This guide covers both, and the checks that take only a few minutes.

NHS, private or a mixed practice

• NHS dental care in England and Wales is charged in fixed bands set by the government, covering everything that is clinically necessary within a course of treatment. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the system differs, so check the arrangements where you live. NHS treatment is free for some groups, such as children and people on certain benefits.
• Private treatment is charged at the practice's own prices, which vary. Private practices may offer more appointment flexibility, a wider range of cosmetic options and longer appointments.
• Many practices are mixed: they take some NHS patients and offer private treatment alongside. If you join as an NHS patient, ask which treatments will be NHS and which you would be asked to pay for privately, and make sure you are told before anything starts.
• Dental payment plans spread the cost of routine care over the year. Read what is included, what is excluded, and whether there is a minimum term.

There is no requirement to register with a dentist in the way you do with a GP, but practices do keep patient lists and NHS places can be limited. Be prepared to ask several practices whether they are taking new NHS patients.

Check registration

Every dentist, dental nurse, hygienist, therapist and technician practising in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can search the GDC register online by name. A practice should be able to tell you the name of the dentist who will treat you.

In England, dental practices are also regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects them and publishes reports. Practices in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are inspected by their own national bodies. Reading the most recent report tells you whether the practice met the standards for safety, cleanliness and management.

What to ask before your first appointment

• Are you accepting new NHS patients, and is there a waiting list?
• What are the opening hours, and are there early, late or weekend appointments?
• What is the arrangement for emergencies and out-of-hours pain?
• How far ahead are routine appointments booked?
• What are the prices for private treatments, and are they listed?
• Is the practice accessible if you have mobility needs?
• Do you offer hygienist appointments, and are they NHS or private?

A practice that answers these plainly on the phone is usually one that communicates well in the chair.

What to look for at the first visit

• A written treatment plan and cost estimate before any work starts. For NHS treatment, you should be told which band applies.
• A clear explanation of the options, including the option of doing nothing, and the risks and benefits of each.
• Time to ask questions without feeling hurried.
• A clean, organised surgery and a reception that respects privacy.
• A price list displayed or available on request.

If you are told you need a large amount of work, it is reasonable to ask for a copy of the plan and seek a second opinion before agreeing to it.

Cosmetic and specialist treatment

Whitening, veneers, implants and orthodontics are private treatments. Tooth whitening is a dental procedure and can only lawfully be carried out by a GDC-registered dental professional; beauty salons offering it are acting unlawfully. Ask about the dentist's experience and training in the specific treatment, what the realistic outcome is, how long it should last, and what aftercare and guarantee are offered.

If something goes wrong

Raise it with the practice first; every practice must have a complaints procedure. For NHS treatment you can also use the NHS complaints procedure; for private treatment, the Dental Complaints Service, which is funded by the GDC, can help resolve disputes. Keep copies of your treatment plan and receipts.

Next steps

Decide whether NHS, private or a mix suits you, then phone two or three local practices with the questions above. Check the dentist's GDC registration and the latest inspection report, and book a check-up rather than waiting for pain. You can find dentists near you on Annuvell Local, where each listing shows checked contact details so you can call and ask whether they are taking new patients.