What's included in NHS dental services
Dental services you can get on the NHS include:
- dentist appointments to check if your teeth and mouth are healthy, including emergency appointments
- treatments for problems and injuries affecting your teeth and mouth
- advice and treatments to help prevent dental conditions
You can get NHS dental care by making an appointment at an NHS dentist.
Dental treatment on the NHS
The NHS provides clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on your dentist’s assessment and clinical judgement.
Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided privately, and the costs associated for each.
Ask the dentist to explain in more detail the reason behind the treatment options being suggested.
You should feel properly informed before having any treatment, including about the risks, benefits and likely outcome of the treatment.
You can get dental treatment on the NHS if you need it to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. You’ll usually need to get cosmetic treatments privately.
Your dental treatment plan
Your dentist has to provide you with a treatment plan for Band 2, Band 3, or a mix of NHS and private treatments.
Your treatment plan sets out your proposed dental treatment and the costs. You'll be asked to sign the plan, and you’ll be given a copy to keep.
Treatment plans are not usually given for Band 1 or urgent dental treatments, but you can ask for one if you like.
If you decide to choose private options, this should be included in your treatment plan.
The dentist should also inform you of any changes to the treatment plan. Sometimes planned treatment can change after further investigation, or because of changes in your oral health after your initial dental assessment.
You can also tell your dentist if you want to stop a certain treatment.
Any changes to your treatment should be discussed and agreed with you.