How to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients

Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients is harder than it should be. In many parts of England, people spend weeks or months searching - and some never find a place at all. You are not doing anything wrong. This is a nationwide access problem.

This guide explains exactly what steps to take, who to contact if you get stuck, what to do if you need urgent care, and what your options are if NHS dentistry is not currently available near you.

Before you start, it helps to understand why this is so difficult - so you know it is not something you are doing wrong.

A 2022 survey found that 90% of dental practices across the UK were not accepting new adult NHS patients. The situation has improved marginally since then, but access remains severely restricted in many areas.

Around two-fifths of the adult population in England saw an NHS dentist in the 24 months up to March 2025 - down from just under half before the pandemic.

Some areas have been described as "dental deserts" - places where NHS dental provision has effectively collapsed for new patients. People living in the South West are considerably less likely to get an NHS dental appointment than those in other regions, with a success rate of just 66% - more than 11 percentage points below all other English regions.

Unlike with GP surgeries, there is no formal registration system for dental practices. Once you've found a practice with space, see our guide on how to register with a dentist for what happens next.

If you have a dental problem that cannot wait - severe toothache, swelling, a broken tooth, or a dental infection - you do not need to be registered with a dentist to get help.

Call NHS 111. NHS 111 can put you in touch with an urgent dental service. This is the most reliable route to emergency dental care if you are not registered with a practice.

Contact your usual dentist first, if you have one. Some surgeries offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if necessary.

Go to A&E if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a facial or mouth injury. A&E cannot treat dental problems directly, but can help with serious infections or injuries that need immediate attention.

If you do find an NHS dentist, it helps to know what you will pay. Unlike GP appointments, NHS dental treatment is not free for most adults - you pay a fixed contribution that depends on the treatment you need.

From 1 April 2026, the NHS dental charges in England are:

You pay one charge per complete course of treatment, even if you need more than one appointment to finish it.

Figure out if you likely qualify for free treatment with the quick quiz below.

If NHS dental places are not available near you, you have a few options worth considering.

Private dentists do not have the same access constraints as NHS practices. Most private practices are accepting new patients. The trade-off is cost - private dental fees are considerably higher than NHS charges, and prices vary significantly between practices and regions.

NHS community dental services provide care for people with complex needs - including people who cannot access a standard dental practice due to disability, anxiety, or other barriers. Referrals are usually made through your GP or NHS 111, though some areas allow self-referral. Whether self-referral is accepted varies by local area, so check with your ICB or local community dental service for details.

NHS-funded dental treatment is sometimes available at lower cost through university dental schools. Treatment is carried out by dental students under close supervision from qualified dentists. Appointments can be slower than at a standard practice, but the care is regulated to the same standards. Search "dental school near me" to find your closest one.

Some charitable organisations and community health projects offer free or reduced-cost dental treatment for people in financial hardship. Availability varies by area. Healthwatch, your local Citizens Advice, or your ICB may be able to point you to local provision.

If you have not been able to get NHS dental care and think your local services are falling short, you can raise a formal complaint.

You can contact your local ICB, contact Healthwatch in your area, or write to your MP. NHS England tracks access data by region and persistent complaints can help make the case for additional local provision.