NHS Dental Access Report: where can you still get an NHS dentist?
Live analysis of NHS dentist availability across the UK, compiled from the 3,547 NHS practices listed on OpenWide. Updated daily.
Hardest places to find an NHS dentist
Counties ranked by the share of NHS practices currently accepting new adult NHS patients (lowest first). Counties with fewer than 5 NHS practices are excluded.
| County | NHS practices | Accepting new adults | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Greater London | 710 | 132 | 19% |
Best NHS access
| County | NHS practices | Accepting new adults | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater London | 710 | 132 | 19% |
| Dorset | 20 | 0 | 0% |
Report FAQs
How many UK dental practices are accepting new NHS patients?
Across the 3,547 NHS practices listed on OpenWide, about 4% are currently accepting new adult NHS patients. Availability varies sharply by area — see the county table below.
Which areas have the worst NHS dentist availability?
Based on OpenWide data, Dorset, Greater London are among the counties where the fewest NHS practices are taking on new adult patients.
How is this data collected?
OpenWide combines the NHS ODS register, NHS regional acceptance datasets, CQC records and direct phone/email verification with practices on a rolling monthly cycle. Figures reflect practices currently listed and are updated daily.
Methodology & reuse
Figures are compiled by OpenWide from the NHS ODS register, NHS regional acceptance datasets, CQC records and direct practice verification (rolling monthly). They reflect practices currently listed on OpenWide and update daily.
Free to cite with attribution to OpenWide and a link to this page. Journalists: contact [email protected] for regional breakdowns.