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Finding a Dentist can be tricky….
Finding a Dentist if you have moved home or work can be tricky, read out blog about the key things you should look for in a dentist…..
Are you looking for a Dentist that offers NHS or Private Dentistry? This will be one of the first things that narrow down your search as not all Dentists offer both. NHS places are limited in some areas of the country and you will sometimes need to put your name on a waiting list for a place to become available but beware it is quite a rare occurrence that spaces become free. You can search for an NHS dentist near you here.
Think where the most convenient area would be for your dentist to be located. Are you looking for one near your home or work? Remember there is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area, therefore, you can find a dental practice that is convenient for you. Give some thought about what appointment times would be good for your family and give them a call and see if there are any places and appointments available and what their opening hours are. If there ant any spaces then ask if you can put your name on their waiting list.
Once you find a dental practice, you may have to fill in a registration form at your first visit, which is just to add you to their patient database. However, that does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future. Beware if you keep missing appointments you may be charged and if you regularly miss appointments then you may be removed from their patient list.
If you can’t find an NHS Dentist in the location you are looking for then consider becoming a private patient with the clinic of your choice and ask every time you visit where you are on their waiting list. Also, mention it to your actual dentist rather than just the reception team. Remember looking after your teeth and gums are really important so not going to a dentist shouldn’t be an option for you and your family.
Emergency Dental Care
If you are in pain with your teeth or gums and feel you need urgent dental care then contact your dental clinic as some offer emergency appointments if needed. If they don’t offer this service or it is out of hours and you are in a lot of pain then call NHS Direct on 111 and they can put you in touch with an emergency dental service. We advise you not contact your GP Surgery, as they will not be able to offer urgent or emergency dental care. If you are in severe pain, have heavy bleeding or have injuries to your face, mouth or teeth then go to A&E. NHS Direct will advise you if you need to visit A&E.
An emergency dentist will only deal with the problem at hand and provide necessary treatment to stop any pain. If you are entitled to free NHS dental care, you should be able to claim back the cost of any treatment so keep your receipts and ask the emergency dentist what you should do. If you are asked to come back for further treatment, this will be considered to be a separate course of non-urgent treatment. You will have to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.
Even in an emergency always ask the dentist how much the treatment will cost or whether you can have a treatment plan before they start work.
If you are looking for a Dentist in Ruislip or the surrounding areas then give Victoria Road Dental Clinic a call on 01895 636121.
We offer affordable, flexible and quality dental care for you and your family with a range of everyday dentistry treatments as well as advanced cosmetic dentistry.
