NHS Dental Care

Here, at Wensleydale Dental Practice, we are proud to offer patients NHS dentistry.

This includes all treatments our dentists believe are necessary to maintain good oral hygiene but excludes any treatments that are considered cosmetic, e.g. tooth whitening.

If you are an NHS patient who would like to receive a one-off private treatment, please discuss this with your dentist. They can perform private treatments whilst you remain an NHS patient of our practice.

The practice receives a certain amount of funding each year from NHS England – Midlands and East (East), which allows us to see and treat the general public on the NHS. We constantly monitor our NHS funding and capacity, which allows us to budget for NHS treatments and, when able, to see further NHS patients.

We are sorry to say that the funding is not endless, and whilst we do our very best to accommodate patients and treatments, you may find from time to time that you might have to wait longer for an appointment than what is usually expected. If, for any reason, you are unable to wait for the given appointment date, please speak with your dentist about the private options available to you.

To find out if you’re able to take advantage of NHS treatment, please take a look at our quick FAQ guide below.

FAQs

How do I become an NHS patient at the Wensleydale Dental Practice?
If we have spare capacity, we are happy to provide patients with NHS dentistry. We will require your NHS number, proof of address and, if you are exempt from NHS dental charges, proof of your exemption.

Am I eligible for free NHS dental treatment at the Wensleydale Dental Practice?
Many people are eligible to receive free dental treatment via the NHS, typically your treatment is free if you:

• Are under the age of 18.
• Aged 18 and still in full-time education.
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• Either you or your partner receives income support.
• Either you or your partner receives an income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
• Either you or your partner is entitled/named on a current tax credit certificate.
• Either you or your partner receives pensions credit or guarantee credit.
• Hold a valid HC2 certificate.
• Hold a valid HC3 certificate (partial exemption).
• Receiving income-related employment and support allowance.

Universal Credit

Please ensure that you bring proof of your exemption to each new course of treatment, including routine examinations.

If you become exempt during a course of treatment, please inform either your dentist or dental nurse.

What can I expect from my dentist?
Your NHS dentist will primarily carry out a full examination of your mouth, teeth and gums, after which they will explain the treatment you require, if any, and the options available to you, including the costs that may be associated with the work.

What does my dentist expect from me?
Typically we ask for the same commitment from NHS patients as we do our private patients, and that is if you do need to cancel or change your appointment that you give us at least 24 hours prior notice. If you fail to keep or cancel (within 24 hrs prior notice) 2 or more appointments, we reserve the right not to offer you any further appointments or treatment on the NHS.

What do I do in the case of an emergency?
Since April 1 2006, your local NHS Area Team has been responsible for out-of-hours care and commission services for the whole community. This provides a central point of access for urgent and out-of-hours dental care in your area. If you experience an emergency out of hours, please ring Cambridgeshire NHS emergencies on 01223 883 760 or contact NHS Choices on 111.