How to register with an NHS dentist

This guide will tell you how to how to register with an NHS dentist, what to to expect at your first appointment and how to get an emergency dental appointment.

Page contents:

Find a dentist
Register
What to expect
Emergency Appointments
Difficulties finding NHS dentists

Find an NHS dentist taking new patients

Everyone is entitled to register with a NHS dentist, but finding an NHS dentist taking on new patients can be hard. The easiest way to find a NHS dentist is to visit our Find an NHS Dentist page to search for local dentists accepting new NHS patients, and click “Find a NHS dentist near me”.

Our website will then ask permission to access your current location – click “Allow”. We can then search through all the NHS dentists in your area and make a list of the closest dental practices that have said they are taking new NHS patients. You should then work your way down the list and visit each practice’s website (or call if they do not have a website) to confirm whether they are still accepting new patients and find out about their registration process.

Dental practices do not restrict patient registration by area or post code like doctors’ surgeries, so you can choose which practice is convenient for you. Instead of searching near your current location, you could type in your work’s address or postcode to find a dentist near your workplace. You can even register at more than one practice at a time.

Register as a new NHS patient

You will need to find out about each practice’s registration process by visiting their website (or calling if they do not have a website).

The practices higher on the list are closer to the address or location you provided, so start at the top.

If you call a practice, ask about their registration process. Most practices will only be accepting a very small number of patients each week and will have a specific process to apply. If a practice on your list tells you they are no longer accepting new NHS patients at all, then please politely ask them to update and correct their NHS profile online.

Some dental practices may require you to travel to the practice to fill out a registration form before you can book an appointment. Other’s may take this information over the telephone or ask for it via email. The registration information required will typically include name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address and a fairly detailed medical history including a list of any current medication you take. Your NHS number may be useful but it not usually required.

What to expect

Your first appointment

There will usually be a long wait to the date of your first appointment. You may be asked to arrive early so that you can fill out additional forms.

You would not usually be able to book straight in for treatment without a full examination first. If you need any dental treatment, this will usually be planned at your initial examination appointment, and you will then need to book again for the treatment at a later date.

Missed appointments

Most dental practices have a strict missed appointment policy. If you miss or are late to your first appointment, then you will not usually be offered a second appointment . So once you book your appointment, make sure you attend and do not arrive late.

Emergency Appointments

It normally takes several weeks or months from finding a new dentist to receiving any dental treatment. So if you urgently need some dental treatment and cannot wait, then you should seek an emergency NHS dentist.

An emergency dentist will however only provide basic urgent and emergency treatment to treat any pain or infection. You should still register with a dentist right away so you can arrange a full dental checkup and treatment planning.

Emergency Dentist – Need an emergency dentist? Read our guide on How to access an NHS emergency dentist near you.

Difficulties finding NHS dentists

There is currently a problem with access in NHS dentistry.

Find out what to do if you cannot find an NHS dentist close enough to travel to.

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