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Dentists

Everyone should be able to access good-quality NHS dental services.

No need to register with a dentist in the same way as with GPs. This is because you are not bound to a catchment area.

Simply find a dental practice that's works for you. Ideally near your home or work, for easy travelling. Then phone the dentist to see if there are any appointments available.

If you do not have a regular dental practice or are new to Hartlepool. You can search for an NHS dentist near you on this site.

Dental practices won't always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list. Look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients. Or, you can find a private dentist to get an appointment through them.

You may have to fill in a registration form on your first visit. This is purely to add you to their patient database. However, there is no guarantee access to a NHS dental appointment in the future.

If you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist at once. Practices offer emergency dental slots and will offer care if clinically needed.

You can also call NHS 111. Who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.

GP are not able to offer urgent or emergency dental care.

To find a Dentist that works well for you, please visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-dentist or www.dentistnearme.uk 

Do I qualify for free dental care?

If one or more of the following criteria applies to you when treatment starts. You'll be entitled to free NHS dental care.

You're entitled if you are:

  • Aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education

  • Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months

  • Staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries your treatment out

  • An NHS hospital dental service outpatient. You may have to pay for your dentures or bridges

If you are your partner, including civil partner, receive. Or, you're under the age of 20 and are dependant of someone receiving:

  • Income Support

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

  • Universal Credit and meet the criteria

If you're entitled to or named on:

  • A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate. If you don't have a certificate, you can show your award notice. You qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability. Have an income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less

  • A valid HC2 certificate

Those named on an NHS health costs for partial help may also get help.

You won't be exempt from paying because you receive:

  • Incapacity Benefit

  • Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

  • Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance

  • Disability Living Allowance

  • Council Tax Benefit

  • Housing Benefit

  • Pension Savings Credit

Medical conditions don't exempt patients from payment for dental treatment. You'll have to show your dentist written proof that you don't have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also sign a form to confirm that you don't have to pay.

If you are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months. You will get free NHS dental treatment. You may have to show proof, such as a:

  • Maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)

  • Maternity certificate (MATB1)

  • Your baby's birth certificate

For more information regarding free dental care, please visit www.nhs.uk/free-nhs-dental-treatment