NHS Dentists in Chichester: Finding One, Costs and Urgent Dental Care

How do I find an NHS dentist in Chichester?

Use the NHS Find a dentist service with your postcode. The NHS page on how to find an NHS dentist says you can contact any NHS dentist directly to ask for an appointment, either for symptoms or a routine check-up. Some practices offer both NHS and private care, so ask specifically for an NHS appointment. We have not listed individual practices, because availability for new NHS patients changes and the NHS finder is the place to check.

Do I have to register with a dentist?

Not in the way you register with a GP. The NHS says that at your first visit you may be asked to complete a registration form, but that this does not mean you will always be able to get NHS dental care at that practice in future. You may also be placed on a waiting list before you get an appointment.

What if no dentist is taking new NHS patients?

The NHS advises contacting your local integrated care board, which manages dental services in your area and can help direct you to available appointments. The NHS page linked above is the official starting point.

How much does NHS dental treatment cost?

As published on the NHS page on dental treatment costs, most adults need to pay, and treatments are grouped into three bands:

- Band 1: £27.90, which covers an examination, assessment and advice, X-rays where clinically needed, and fluoride varnish
- Band 2: £76.60, which includes everything in Band 1 plus treatment such as fillings, root canal work and extractions
- Band 3: £332.10, which includes everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges

If you need a mix of treatments, you pay the charge for the highest band involved, and only once per band for a course of treatment. The dental professional should tell you the cost before starting. Charges are set nationally and are reviewed, so check the NHS page for the current figures.

Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

The NHS lists free treatment for people aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, people who are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, people being treated by a hospital dentist in an NHS hospital (though dentures or bridges may be charged), and some people who receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit if income is below a set level. Some people on a low income may qualify through an HC2 certificate. You may be asked for proof.

What counts as a dental emergency?

The NHS page on emergency and urgent dental care says to ask for an urgent appointment or get advice from NHS 111 if you have a knocked-out tooth or other tooth injury, severe tooth or mouth pain that is affecting sleep and not helped by painkillers, swelling or a lump in the mouth that is getting bigger, a mouth ulcer lasting two weeks or more, bleeding or severe pain after a tooth removal, or a broken or loose filling, crown, bridge or denture.

It says you should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days depending on symptoms, and that a knocked-out adult tooth should be seen within 1 hour or as soon as possible.

When should I go to A&E instead?

Go to A&E or call 999 for serious facial or jaw injuries, heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop, severe swelling of the mouth, lips, throat or neck with difficulty breathing, or a head or face injury that caused you to lose consciousness, vomit or have double vision. The NHS says not to drive yourself to A&E. Our urgent care guide covers St Richard's Hospital.