How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

Advice and Information - 16 July 2021

Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with many people struggling to access NHS services. Here’s some information on how to access an NHS dentist now COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
Dentist with a patient

From 19 July 2021 restrictions have been removed and dentists are open for routine and urgent treatments, however due to a change in the way they work you may have a longer wait for an appointment if it’s not urgent. 

If risk-assessments allow, practices may also resume a full range of domiciliary dental care services (e.g., in people’s homes, including residential care homes) 

If you are suffering any symptoms of COVID-19 you should not attend your appointment and phone your dentist to advise them.

How do I find a dentist? 

To get the help you need you can: 

  • Phone your local dentist to get information about their opening hours and advice on where you can go to get the care you need 
  • If you don’t have a dentist or your dentist is closed, you can phone NHS 111. Translation services are available.  
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing visit https://interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111

Do not visit a dentist without an appointment. 

Practices will need to prioritise their patients based upon their needs. The British Dental Association advises:

  • If you call to make an appointment, you will be asked some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again at your appointment 
  • You will probably be asked to use hand sanitiser or to wash your hands when you arrive (and again before you leave) 
  • Social distancing measures will be in place in the waiting rooms 
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

Tell us about your experience of care

Has your dental care been disrupted by COVID-19? Whether it’s good or bad, we want to hear from you.

It only takes five minutes, and your feedback can help your local NHS and social care services understand how to improve care for you and your loved ones.

Tell us your experience

I need urgent dental assistance – what can I do? 

All practices should be accepting urgent dental care presentations and / or referrals from NHS 111. For urgent advice on any oral health issue you can call: 

  • NHS 111 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) 
  • Call the dental helpline at 01788 539780 (local rate call in the UK) for free and impartial advice between 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

I can't find a dentist taking NHS patients - who can help me?

If you are struggling to find a dentist in your local area who are taking NHS patients at the moment you can: 

  • Contact NHS England’s customer contact centre on 0300 311 2233
  • Contact Healthwatch Hammersmith & Fulham either by calling us on 0203 886 0386 or email info@healthwatchhf.co.uk. 

You might also be interested in

Dentist wearing goggles and mask

Top 10 ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment

How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.
We also have highlighted a number of useful resources for more advice about NHS dental care.
Advice and Information
Three Healthwatch staff members standing outside a hospital

Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
Advice and Information