Find an NHS Dentist Near You
Search thousands of dental practices to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients in your area. Compare charges, check availability, and book with confidence.
Not sure what treatment you need?
Tell us your symptoms and we'll match you to a dentistWhy NHS patients use OpenWide
Around 4 million people in England have tried and failed to get an NHS dental appointment. OpenWide tracks which practices are accepting new NHS patients right now — so you don't waste time calling clinics with closed lists.
NHS acceptance tracking
We monitor which practices are taking new NHS patients, updated continuously across the UK.
Skip the phone queue
Send an enquiry or book online instead of waiting on hold. Get a response from the practice directly.
See what you'll pay
NHS band charges are fixed, but many practices also offer private options. Compare both side by side.
The NHS dentist shortage is real — but finding one doesn't have to be hard
Since 2020, hundreds of practices across England have stopped accepting new NHS patients. Searching on Google or calling NHS 111 often leads to dead ends. OpenWide solves this by aggregating live data from practices, so you can see at a glance who has capacity — and get in touch immediately.
How to get an NHS dentist through OpenWide
Enter your postcode
and filter for NHS practices near you.
Check NHS status
see which practices are accepting patients.
Compare & enquire
read reviews, compare charges, and send an enquiry.
Register & book
complete your registration and book your first visit.
Stay registered
attend regular check-ups to keep your NHS place.
NHS Dental Charges 2026
Current NHS dental charges in England, effective from April 2024.
| Band | Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £26.80 | Check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed, treatment planning, preventive advice |
| Band 2 | £73.50 | Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canals, extractions, and gum disease treatment |
| Band 3 | £319.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, and bridges |
| Urgent | £26.80 | Emergency examination and treatment (e.g. pain relief, temporary filling) |
Source: NHS England. Prices are for England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different charging structures. Prices correct as of 2024/25.
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if any of the following apply:
If you're unsure whether you qualify, check the NHS vs Private dental guide or ask your dental practice before treatment.
How to Register with an NHS Dentist
Search for NHS dentists near you
Use OpenWide to find NHS dental practices in your area. Filter by "NHS Only" to see practices currently accepting new patients.
Contact the practice
Call or enquire online to confirm they are accepting new NHS patients. Availability can change quickly, so check as soon as possible.
Complete a registration form
The practice will ask you to fill in a medical history form and provide personal details including your NHS number if you have one.
Attend your first appointment
Bring photo ID and any exemption certificates. Your dentist will carry out a check-up and discuss any treatment you may need.
Continue with regular visits
Attend regular check-ups (usually every 6-24 months depending on your dentist's recommendation) to maintain your registration.
NHS vs Private Dental Care
A quick comparison to help you decide which option is right for you.
| Feature | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up cost | £26.80 | £50 – £150 |
| Filling cost | £73.50 (Band 2) | £80 – £250 |
| Crown cost | £319.10 (Band 3) | £400 – £1,200 |
| Teeth whitening | Not available | £200 – £700 |
| Invisalign | Not available | £1,500 – £5,500 |
| Waiting times | Variable (weeks to months) | Usually within days |
| Appointment length | 15 – 20 minutes | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Material choices | Clinically appropriate | Full range (e.g. ceramic) |
For a detailed comparison, read our NHS vs Private Dentist guide. You can also compare pricing in your area on our Dental Costs page.
OpenWide vs searching on your own
Google doesn't track NHS acceptance status. ChatGPT doesn't have live data. Only OpenWide monitors which practices are open to new NHS patients right now.
Patients who found their NHS dentist on OpenWide
“Can't recommend them highly enough. Found a great dentist in minutes, booked online, and the whole experience was seamless. So much better than searching on Google!”
“I needed an emergency appointment and OpenWide found me a dentist the same day. The process from booking to treatment was efficient and stress-free.”
“The whole process from searching to booking to having my appointment couldn't have been easier. Finally a platform that actually helps you find the right dentist.”