Dentist

Your NHS dentist should understand your needs and support you to take good care of your mouth, teeth and gums.

When you go to an appointment at the dentist, a dentist should:

• Carry out a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums
• Talk to you about how you brush your teeth and take care of your mouth, and how you can do this better
• Explain your treatment options, tell you what treatment you can have under the NHS, and what other work can be done privately if you need any
• Make sure you know how much your NHS treatment and any private treatment will cost
• Discuss how often you need to got for a dental check-up
• Listen to you and your family members and understand your needs

Dentists are a universal service, which means we are here to support everyone. It is a good idea to try and register with one close to home.

Find your nearest dentist (opens new window)

Referral route

You ring us up for an appointment.

Waiting time

Our team works out how quickly we need to see you - the same day, or sometime in the next few days.

First Step

You can see us on your own, or bring someone with you.

We will look at your teeth and mouth and explain what we are doing and why.  We will decide whether you need any further treatment and give you advice on improving your dental health.

If you need treatment we usually arrange another appointment, unless it is something we help with there and then.  Otherwise, we will write to you every few months to invite you for a check-up.

Each surgery will have slightly different ways of seeing patients. Some will need you to call them to make an appointment, but others might use their website or even mobile phones. The best place to start is by going in to your local surgery and talking to a receptionist about who you are and what you need.

Dentists work with people of all ages. This means you will not need to change your dentist when you turn 18. You might need to start paying for treatments when you turn 18, depending on your circumstances.

For information about this, talk to your dentist.

If you move away from Wiltshire, you should register with a new dentist as soon as possible. They can talk to your old dentist where necessary to build a picture of your needs and previous treatment.