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Dentists
An NHS dentist is a dentist who has agreed to provide NHS dental services. Some dentists may provide a mixture of NHS and private care.
The NHS Help Card is an initiative from NHS North East which aims to help and support you whenever you visit your NHS hospital, doctor, dentist, optician or pharmacist.
The card features a blank panel on the front where you can write down any special requirements and a tick list of different languages on the reverse for those who cannot speak English. Simply show the card to a member of staff if you need help, for example:
- if you are unable to walk far
- if you are confused, lost or don’t know where to go
- if you cannot speak or hear
- if you do not understand English
- if you have a learning disability
NHS Help Cards are available free by contacting your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) using the contact details given below, or visit the PALS website.
How to find an NHS dentist
For general advice on how to see a dentist, call NHS Direct on telephone number 0845 46 47.
You can also search for a list of your local dentists on the North East Primary Care Services Agency website, and on the NHS Choices website.
What to expect at your check-up
At your check-up, your dentist should run through the following checklist:
- a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums
- an explanation of your treatment options (letting you know what can be provided on the NHS or privately)
- an explanation of how much your NHS and/or private treatment will cost
- a discussion about how often you need to attend for appointments
How often to go to the dentist
Your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit based on your individual oral health needs.
It is no longer standard to have a check-up with your dentist every 6 months. People with good oral health may now only need to attend once every 12 to 24 months. You should follow your dentist’s advice on how often you need to attend.
NHS charges for dental treatment
If you pay for NHS dental treatment there are standard charges. You can find out the current charges on the NHS Choices website.
It is best to ask your dentist how much your individual treatment plan will cost beforehand, so that you are clear about how much you have to pay before the treatment starts. You should also check if you are getting NHS or private treatment.
Children aged under 18 years old, and many adults, don't have to pay NHS charges. To find out about free NHS dental treatment, see our section on Help with health costs.
Out of hours dental care
If you experience severe pain outside of normal working hours, contact the North of Tyne Out of Hours Dental Emergency and Advisory Service.
What if I am housebound?
If you are housebound and can't get out, you might be able to get a home visit from your dentist at no extra cost. Some treatments might be able to be carried out in your own home but it is better to visit the dental surgery even if this means making appropriate transport arrangements.
If your own dentist doesn't make home visits, you may be able to get one from the local community dental health service. Ask your dentist for advice, or for details of your local community dental health service contact Newcastle Primary Care Trust using the details given below.
Complaining about your dental treatment
If you wish to make a complaint about the care or service provided by your NHS dentist or dental practice, you should contact the person responsible for the practice complaints procedure. Your dentist will try to resolve your complaint at this stage. You can get support to help you to do this.
Alternatively, you may feel that you need to take the complaint to a more formal level by using the NHS Complaints Procedure. You can find out more about informal and formal approaches to complaining in our section How to complain about health services.
If you wish to make a complaint about private dental services, you should contact the Dental Complaints Service.
Other useful information
Contact Information
Newcastle Primary Care Trust
Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4PF.
Telephone : 0191 219 6000, Fax : 0191 219 6066, Minicom : 0191 276 5174.
Email : suggestionbox@newcastle-pct.nhs.uk
Article last updated November 15, 2011 7:27 pm
