NHS Dentists in Hemel Hempstead Taking New Patients » Find an NHS Dentist « Dental Choices (2024)

FAQs

NHS Dentists in Hemel Hempstead Taking New Patients » Find an NHS Dentist « Dental Choices? ›

Why are dentists not accepting new NHS patients? Dentists face financial constraints, policy neglect, and operational challenges, leading to reluctance in accepting new NHS patients.

Why are dentists not accepting new NHS patients? Dentists face financial constraints, policy neglect, and operational challenges, leading to reluctance in accepting new NHS patients.

Find a dentist

The NHS service finder on the NHS.uk website enables you to find local services, including dentists.

GP referrals

If you are a GP please refer through ERS. For patient self-referrals make self- referral, please visit our Dental Undergraduate Referrals page or call NHS 111.

NHS dentists provide all the necessary treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums in a healthy condition. To get NHS dental treatment, just contact a practice providing NHS dentistry and ask for an NHS appointment.

As we peel back the layers of this complex challenge, we see that the struggle to find an NHS dentist is a symptom of bigger issues. Funding is short. There are geographic inequalities. The falling number of dentists who will do NHS work also adds to the scarcity of dental care.

If you've been unable to find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact your local integrated care board (ICB). Integrated care boards (ICBs) commission dental services in England and are required to meet the needs of their local population for both urgent and routine dental care.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency out-of-hours, then you should call the NHS 111 service, or use their online service. The telephone operator will point you to the appropriate care. You may need a face-to-face appointment or further treatment, so you will be directed to the right course of action.

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you're: under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education. pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)

Can you go back to the NHS dentist after private? ›

Can I swap from a private dentist to an NHS dentist? Of course. When you get in touch with us, you'll just need to tell us whether you're seeking an NHS dentist or a private dentist, and we'll be able to book you in accordingly. This is the case whether you have been an NHS patient or a private patient.

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) may provide help with some of the cost of your dental care if you have a low income but do not qualify for free dental care.

'Capitation schemes' for private treatment

Capitation schemes are designed to help you 'save up' for treatment by making a monthly payment by direct debit. Your dentist or an independent company will run the scheme. There are two types of plans: maintenance plans and comprehensive plans.

NHS dental treatment doesn't become free when you reach a certain age, but you may be eligible for free dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits. Let the receptionist know if you receive any of the following benefits when you make an appointment.

A dentist can remove you from their patient list by giving 3 months' notice in writing. The dentist should leave your teeth and gums in a healthy state unless you have refused any treatment recommended by them. If you are violent or threatening, they can remove you from their patient list right away.

You can investigate alternative options if you don't have money to fix dental problems. You may get help through dental schools, dental hygiene schools, community health clinics, faith-based organizations, and state and local health departments or community centers.

It states: 'NHS-funded dental services in England are in near-terminal decline: nearly six million fewer courses of NHS dental treatment were provided last year than in the pre-pandemic year; funding in 2021/22 was over £500m lower in real terms than in 2014/15; and there are widespread problems in accessing a dentist' ...

NHS dentistry in Wales could disappear, the British Dental Association has warned. Dentists have described being on the brink of handing back NHS contracts due to stress and concerns about patients' care after changes in Wales. Welsh government reforms aim to make 112,000 appointments for new patients.

Cost is the number one reason why people avoid seeing the dentist, according to a recent survey from the American Dental Association. But what many people don't realize is that postponing a dental appointment and care can actually cost more money in the long run.