Dentists

A dentist can provide information and treatment to look after your teeth and gums. Regular check-ups help to see if you have any dental problems.

Your dentist can:

• provide regular check ups on your teeth and gums (adults should have a check up at least every two years, under 18’s should have a check up at least once a year)
• teach you how to look after your teeth and gums to prevent problems
• restore teeth damaged or lost due to decay, in an accident or other reasons
• carry out treatment such as fillings or root canal treatment, if you need it.

Some dentists provide a mixture of NHS and private care. If you are unsure what services your dentist provides, check with your dentist. All dentists have up to date practice information on the NHS services they have agreed to provide.

If you need dental treatment in an emergency

• call your dentist – some practices offer appointments at short notice
• call NHS 111 for advice and support.

If the NHS111 service thinks that you need immediate dental help they can book you into an appointment as part of an urgent dental service for Hertfordshire and west Essex patients. A small number of dental practices and the Hertfordshire out-of-hours dental service offer urgent appointments through this service. This appointment will usually be on on the same day but sometimes it may be the next day.

These urgent dental appointments are available every day of the year and include daytime and evening appointments.

Find out more about emergency and out of hours dental care on the NHS.uk website.