What to expect when you visit the dentist

This information is provided by NHS Choices and applies to NHS patients.

When you see your dentist for a check-up, they will first carry out an examination or assessment. This is the first part of each course of NHS treatment and is included in the Band 1 charge. You do not have to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP to receive NHS treatment. Therefore, you should not be asked to have an examination or pay for any private work before being accepted by an NHS dentist.

If you haven’t seen a dentist for several years because of fear or anxiety, read our tips to ease ​fear of the dentist​. Read about ​your dental team​ for an overview of the different professionals you may see at your dental practice.

At your check-up, your dentist will assess your current oral health, any risk of future disease, and advise you on the care and treatment required to secure good oral health. It is important that you try to keep your teeth healthy and clean to maintain good oral health.

At your check-up, your dentist may:

Many of us have got used to going to the dentist every six months but you might need to go more often or less often than this depending on how healthy your mouth and teeth are. Your dentist should talk to you about when you should have your next appointment.

If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact your dental practice to make an earlier appointment. 

Find out about ​Newby Dental Practice’s emergency dental care​ facilities

Even if your not registered with us, Newby Dental Practice can still help

The dental treatment plan

If your dentist recommends a Band 2 or Band 3 dental treatment, you’ll be given a personal ​dental treatment plan (PDF, 19kb)​ in advance. This maybe in an electronic form. This outlines all the treatments you are having on the NHS and how much they will cost. If you are not given a treatment plan, ask for one. Treatment plans are usually not given for Band 1 dental treatments, but you can ask for one if you like.
 
If your dentist says you need a particular type of treatment, you should not be asked to pay for it privately. Where alternative private options have been discussed, then those options should be listed on your treatment plan. Separate details of any private treatment and associated costs – usually on the same form as your NHS treatment plan – should always be provided in writing before you commit to it. If this isn’t done, query this immediately with the practice or ​make an official complaint​. You’ll be asked to sign the plan and you’ll be given a copy to keep.
 
If you’re unhappy about agreeing to your treatment plan or signing it, you have the right to say no to all or any of the recommended treatments. You also have the right to seek a second opinion from another dentist. However, you will have to pay another Band 1 fee for this new consultation.
 
If you decide not to proceed with a certain treatment option then inform your dentist. Likewise the dentist should inform you of any necessary changes to the treatment plan. A dentist may suggest a different treatment sometimes on further investigation or due to changes in your oral health following the initial assessment. Any changes to treatment should be discussed and agreed with you. If your dentist tries to change that course of treatment without your agreement, query this immediately with the practice or ​make an official complaint​.

Missed Appointments

If you know you will not be able to attend an appointment then please give as much notice as possible to the dental practice so they can cancel your appointment and offer your slot to another patient. Your dentist can terminate your treatment if you miss your appointment without letting the dental practice know. You may then need to pay again for a new course of treatment.

Please see Newby Dental Practice’s Appointment Policy for further information.

While surgeries can’t charge you for not turning up, ​NHS England​ has the right to ask you to find another dental practice if you continue to miss appointments.

When you visit your dental practice, the following should be available:

  • information about ​current NHS charges
  • the surgery’s complaints procedure
  • a written statement about how the surgery meets the requirements for infection control, health and safety, X-rays​ and continuing professional development of dentists

In addition, there should be a leaflet about the surgery and its services. If you cannot find any of the information, just ask reception to help.

Your dentist should not:

  • offer NHS treatment to children on condition that a parent or guardian becomes a private patient
  • suggest that NHS treatment is sub-standard
  • make you pay privately for an examination to assess whether you will be accepted for NHS treatment
  • charge you for missed appointments for NHS treatment
  • charge you a deposit before any assessment of your treatment needs has been carried out on the NHS.
  • While surgeries can’t charge you for not turning up, ​NHS England​ has the right to ask you to find another dental practice if you continue to miss appointments. (Attendance Policy)
  • This information is provided by NHS Choices