Find an NHS dentist in Brent

Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.
Female dentist examining a female patient's teeth

Everyone should be able to get the care and advice they need to keep their teeth healthy. But people across the country are reporting being unable to get an appointment with an NHS dentist, with the situation getting worse in many areas. 

Where’s your nearest dentist?

Use the NHS website to search for a dentist near you. The site also provides information on which dental practices are currently accepting new patients, whether they offer urgent appointments, and how other people have rated the service.

You can also use the independently run Dental Choices website. This website often has the most up to date information about whether a dental practice is  currently accepting new NHS patients. Click here to use their dentist search tool

You can also visit a dentist outside your local area if it’s more convenient. For example, if you prefer to see a dentist near where you work.

What happens if you can’t find an NHS dentist taking new patients?

Many people are struggling to find an NHS dentist which is taking on new patients. We continue calling for a new NHS dental contract.

Contact us if you need more help finding a dental practice to register with. 

You should also notify NHS England about the issue, as it has a duty to provide routine and urgent dental care across the country.  Find out how to make a complaint here

Tell us about your experience of care

Do you have any feedback to share about dental services in Brent? Whether it’s good or bad, we want to hear from you.

It only takes five minutes and your feedback can help NHS and social care services understand the steps they can take to improve care for you and your loved ones.

Tell us your experience

What to do if you have a dental emergency?

If you need immediate care for your teeth, you should:

  • Ask your regular dentist whether they can offer an emergency appointment.
  • Phone NHS111 who can locate an urgent dental service.
  • Visit A&E if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or injuries to the face, mouth or teeth.

How much does dental treatment cost?

Most people will have to pay towards the cost of dental treatment, but some patients are exempt.

A basic routine examination, which includes diagnosis, advice, a scale and polish if clinically needed and some preventative care, costs £23.80 now.  However, if you require further dental treatment this will be an additional cost.

Dental practices usually offer both NHS and private dental care. You should check whether you are paying for NHS, private treatment, or both before you begin your treatment.

NHS dentists should always:

  • Explain which treatments are available on the NHS.
  • Explain which treatments are only available privately.
  • Make sure you know how much your NHS treatment and private treatment will cost.

Find out more about what you should expect to pay for treatment.

How can you check whether your dentist is qualified?

A list of all qualified dentists in the UK is available via the register of the General Dental Council (GDC), which is the regulatory body for the profession.  

Do note that you don’t register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP. You can choose to go to any dentist who is able to offer an appointment. Once a course of treatment is finished, the dentist is not obliged to see you in future. When you finish a course of treatment, you may want to book your next appointment to avoid problems in future.

What to do if you’re unhappy with your treatment

If you would like to complain about your treatment, please visit our advice on making a complaint. You can also check out advice from the Oral Health Foundation.

Want more information and advice? Sign up for news and updates from Healthwatch Brent