What happens at a dental appointment
At your dental appointment, a dental healthcare professional will look inside your mouth, and will also check your lips and neck.
They'll check for signs of conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth cancer.
They may use a metal tool called a probe, a small device that gently blows air, and a small mirror to help them check your mouth and teeth more easily. They may ask:
- if you have any symptoms inside your mouth, like pain or bleeding
- how you take care of your teeth, for example, how often you brush your teeth
- about your general health, and if you take any medicines
- about your diet, and if you smoke or drink alcohol
You may also need to have X-rays of your teeth.
You'll be told if there are any problems, and any treatment options will be discussed with you.
You may also be given advice on how to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Important: If you're worried about going to the dentist
Tell your dental healthcare professional if you’re anxious about your appointment. They'll be able to help you feel more comfortable.
During the check-up you can ask them to stop or to take a break at any time.
Most adults need to pay for NHS dental appointments.
What happens if you need NHS dental treatment
If you need treatment to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, your dentist should tell you:
- which treatments you may need and why
- what will happen during the treatment
- the possible risks and benefits of treatment
- how much treatment will cost, if you pay for NHS dental treatment
If you pay for NHS dental treatment, how much you'll pay depends on what treatment you have. Treatments are grouped into 3 charge bands.
Find out how much NHS dental treatment costs
If you need Band 2 or Band 3 treatment, you should be given a written treatment plan to agree to and sign before your treatment starts. The treatment plan says what treatment you’ll be having, and how much it will cost.
You will usually need another appointment for treatment. Some of your treatment may be done by other dental healthcare professionals, such as a dental hygienist or a dental therapist.
You can get dental treatment on the NHS if it’s clinically needed to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. You’ll usually need to get cosmetic treatments privately.
Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided privately, and tell you the costs.
If you decide to have private treatment, this should be included in your treatment plan.
Cancelling a dental appointment
If you cannot go to a dental appointment, let the dental surgery know as soon as possible so your appointment can be given to someone else.
If you miss your appointment for any ongoing treatment without letting the dental surgery know, you may need to pay again for a new course of treatment.
What should not happen at an NHS dental appointment
An NHS dentist or dental professional:
- should not charge a deposit before assessing your mouth and teeth or checking your symptoms
- should not ask you to pay privately for an appointment to check if you will be accepted for NHS dental treatment
- should not ask you to become a private patient so your child can get NHS dental treatment
- should not charge you a fee for missing NHS dental appointments