Finding it hard to get a dental appointment?

Already have a dentist?

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If you have a dental team you usually visit, phone them to make an appointment. Appointments will be available according to your individual situation. Be prepared to wait longer than usual for a routine, non-urgent appointment. You can also take personal steps to maintain healthy teeth. 

Where’s your nearest dentist?

Unlike registering at a GP practice, NHS dental practices are available to everyone to attend a course of treatment regardless of where they live. Visit the NHS find a dentist website to search for a practice.

You should also consider widening your search area to where you can travel to, such as where you work.

Whilst the NHS website is a good starting point to finding a local dental practice, people often tell us that these records aren't always kept updated, so you should contact the practice directly to find out more information. If the records are out of date, you should let the practice know.

What to do if you have a dental emergency?

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

• If you have one, ask your regular dental team whether they can offer an emergency appointment.
• Visit NHS 111 online, or call 111 where your symptoms will be checked to see if you need urgent help. When speaking with NHS 111, make sure to clearly describe your symptoms, any pain or swelling and the impact it is having on your daily living.
• You will be advised if you need to visit your hospital emergency department (A&E) or advised of your nearest NHS dental teams providing urgent appointments. The number of urgent dental appointments available each day is limited.
• Visit A&E if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or injuries to the face, mouth or teeth.

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

Many people are struggling to find an NHS dental team taking on new patients.

If you can’t find a dentist for urgent treatment you should notify NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). The ICB commissions (pays for) dental services in Derbyshire and is required to meet the needs of their local population for both urgent and routine dental care.  

Keep sharing your experiences with us, positive and negative, the more information we have the more we can help. 

What is Healthwatch Derbyshire doing about this issue?

We regularly monitor the access to NHS dentistry in Derbyshire and we are sharing our findings with dental commissioners, Joined Up Care Derbyshire, Local Dental Network and Derbyshire Oral Health Steering Group to influence positive change.

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