Finding a NHS dentist
Are you looking to find an NHS dentist?
You can find a list of dentists that are taking on more patients to their waiting list on the NHS Choices website.
Some dental practices have waiting lists which can be quite long.
You can join more than one waiting list and see which one goes quicker.
You can get an urgent and emergency appointment without being on an NHS dentist's patient list.
A tooth abscess, broken teeth, severe dental pain and painful bleeding gums could all be classed as urgent.
How to get the treatment that you need
If you need urgent treatment, you can...
- Call NHS 111. They can book an emergency appointment for you.
- Call any NHS dentist and ask for a one-off urgent appointment.
- Access the Leeds Dental Institute.
You can get an urgent referral to Leeds Dental Institute from A&E, a dental professional or your GP. They are currently not accepting self-referrals.
We will keep you posted about the situation and when it is improved.
Community dentistry service
The Community Dental Service (CDS) provides dental treatment for children and adults who, for many reasons, cannot access dental treatment in a General Dental Practice.
This might be because they have a
- disability
- learning difficulty
- language barrier
- phobia
Referrals to Community Dental Service can be made by a dentist, a doctor or another Health or Social Care Professional.
Other dental support and complaints
Dental choices is a website that is not part of the NHS but has a list of NHS dentists that are taking on new patients to their waiting list.
The Oral Health Foundation is a dental advice service for people who need
- advice about looking after the mouth,
- information about common problems and diseases in the mouth,
- help to understand dental treatments and procedures and
- programmes for schools and carers.
For information, visit www.dentalhealth.org
You can raise your concern about NHS dentistry by contacting the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). They are in charge of contracting NHS dental services across West Yorkshire. Find out how on their website www.westyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/contact/comments-concerns-complaints
If you would like to feedback on your experience (good or bad) or if you are unable to get the treatment that you need, get in touch.
Call us on 0113 898 0035 or email info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk or text 07717 309 843
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Want to have your say about the future of dentistry?
Shape the future of dentistry in West Yorkshire by joining a Healthwatch Dental Services Working Group. If you would like to get involved, contact Healthwatch Kirklees on 01924450379 or email info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk.
