Finding an NHS Dentist Factsheet

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• Finding an NHS Dentist Factsheet

How do I find an NHS dentist?

• Phone Pimary Care Support Service: 0845 070 4240 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
• Kingston Primary Care Trust website (see link below)

You do not ‘register’ with dentists, but are accepted for a course of treatment. You can return to the same dentist for future treatment.

All NHS practices in Kingston treat both adults and children. NHS dental services provide all treatments except cosmetic treatments (for which you have to pay privately).

Urgent Care in the Week

If you need urgent dental care contact your usual dentist first.

If you cannot get an appointment within 24 hours, or don’t have a usual dentist, phone 020 8335 1391 for the duty practice. This may be in Kingston or Richmond.

Urgent care is defined as severe dental and facial pain not controlled by over-the-counter preparations; or dental and soft tissue acute infections.

Urgent care at weekends and bank holidays

If you need urgent care at weekends or bank holidays please present at the Princess Alexandra Dental Unit, Kingston Hospital between 9.30am and 12.30pm. This is a walk-in service, no appointment is necessary, and is only available at these times.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are defined as:

• Uncontrollable bleeding following extraction
• Rapidly increasing swelling around the throat or eye
• Trauma confined to the teeth and gums

In these cases patients should attend an accident and emergency unit:

• Kingston Hospital Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Ashford or St George's Hospital at any time

Dental Charges

There are 4 charge bands for NHS dental services: (2007/08 prices)

Band 1: £16.50 - Check-up, X-rays, scale and polish, advice and treatment planning.

Band 2: £45.60 - All Band 1 plus any fillings (including root canal) and/or extractions.

Band 3: £198.00 - All of Bands 1 and 2 plus dentures, crown and/or bridges.

Urgent: £16.50 - This treatment will be limited to the cause of the problem. The charge applies to care from a dentist or a hospital.

Treatment Plans

Your dentist should give you a written treatment plan for band 2 or 3 courses of treatment, or where you are adding an element of private treatment, eg a white crown rather than a silver one for a back tooth.

Exemtion from Dental charges

Some people are exempt from dental charges, eg, under 18, aged 18 and in full time education, receiving income support and expectant or nursing mothers. You must take evidence to show the dentist. If you do not you may be asked to pay the fee and claim it back via your benefit agency.