Skip to main content

{{ root_page.title }}

Dentists

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

Finding a Dentist

  • You don’t need to register with a dentist like you do with a GP.

  • You can choose any dentist that works for you — near home or work.

  • Call the dentist to ask if they have appointments.

  • If you're new to Hartlepool or don’t have a regular dentist, you can search online:

Appointments

  • Some dentists may not be taking new NHS patients.

  • You might need to join a waiting list or find another dentist.

  • You can also choose a private dentist (you’ll need to pay).

  • You may need to fill in a form on your first visit — this adds you to their system.

  • Important: Being added to the system doesn’t guarantee future NHS appointments.

Emergency Dental Care

  • If you need urgent care, call your usual dentist.

  • Dentists may offer emergency slots if needed.

  • You can also call NHS 111 for help.

  • GPs cannot give emergency dental care.

Do You Get Free NHS Dental Care?

You can get free NHS dental treatment if any of these apply when your treatment starts:

Age and Pregnancy

  • You’re under 18.

  • You’re under 19 and in full-time education.

  • You’re pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months.

Hospital Treatment

  • You’re staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist treats you.

  • You’re an NHS hospital outpatient (you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges).

Benefits

You get free dental care if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive:

  • Income Support

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

  • Universal Credit (if you meet the criteria)

You also qualify if you are under 20 and depend on someone who gets one of these benefits.

Certificates

You’re entitled if you have:

  • A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
    (or show your award notice if you don’t have the certificate)

  • A valid HC2 certificate (for full help with health costs)

  • If you have partial help, you may still get some support.

Not Covered

You don’t get free dental care just because you receive:

  • Incapacity Benefit

  • Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

  • Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Disability Living Allowance

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • Council Tax Benefit

  • Housing Benefit

  • Pension Savings Credit

Medical conditions alone do not give free dental care.

What You Need to Show

To get free treatment, you must:

  • Show proof (like a certificate or award notice)

  • Sign a form to confirm you don’t need to pay

If you’re pregnant or had a baby in the last year, you can show:

  • A Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx)

  • A Maternity Certificate (MATB1)

  • Your baby’s birth certificate

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