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Finding a Dentist

Hopefully you will live within travelling distance of Rutherglen, Glasgow, and can become a new NHS patient of Stuart Duncan. If you are fortunate enough to be looking for a dentist in the Glasgow area, go to Register as an NHS Dentist for further information.

If you do not live within travelling distance of Glasgow, hopefully the following page will be helpful. Finding the right dentist is an important part of looking after your oral health. Whether you have recently moved, need an emergency appointment, or are simply looking for a new dental practice, there are dentists available throughout England and Scotland.

Finding a Dentist in England

In many areas of England, it can be difficult to find an NHS dentist, and some perseverance will be required. The first step is to do an internet search for local dentists, and contact as many as you can. Contact them directly to ask whether they are accepting new NHS patients. Availability can vary considerably between areas, so you may need to contact several practices.

Private dentists are another option. It is generally easier to find a private dentist in England. Costs can vary wildly, so contacting several dentists is still sensible.

When contacting a practice, ask:

• Are you accepting new patients?
• Do you currently have NHS appointments available?
• Do you offer private appointments?
• How much does an initial examination cost?
• Do you provide emergency appointments?
• What are the fees for common treatments?

There is an NHS England website to allow you to search for a new dentist. Unfortunately the lists found on this website are not extensive and are not updated as often as would be ideal. For this reason, simply searching on the internet can be more informative.

If you are struggling to find a dentist, widen your search area as far as you are able to travel and contact as many practices as you can.

Finding a Dentist in Scotland

In most of Scotland, it can be slightly easier to register with a dentist, although a new practice can sill be difficult to find.

Again, a good option is to search online and contact practices directly. Alternatively, you can use the NHS Inform website to get more information. Regrettably there is no distinction between practices that are taking on patients and those which are not.

NHS or Private Dentist?

One of the first decisions you may need to make is whether you want NHS or private dental care.

NHS dentistry can provide access to a range of clinically necessary treatments, subject to the rules and charges applicable in both England or Scotland. However, finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can sometimes be difficult.

Private dentistry gives you access to treatment outside the NHS system. In general, this will provide you with more availability of local dentists. Depending on the practice, care may include general dental care, cosmetic dentistry, additional appointment availability and treatments that are not routinely available through the NHS.

These same general principles apply in both England and Scotland.

Most NHS dental practices offer both NHS and private services, so it is worth asking which treatment options are available before making an appointment.

What to Do If You Need an Emergency Dentist

Dental problems such as severe toothache, swelling or a dental infection may require urgent attention.

The first port of call should be your own dentist if you are registered. If you do not currently have a dentist, contact NHS 111, who can provide you direction for most of the UK. For more information see Emergency Dental Care.

If you have severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, confusion, vomiting, or another serious medical emergency, seek urgent medical attention instead of an emergency dentist.

New NHS Dental patient Rutherglen, Glasgow

Hopefully this information is not relevant as you live within the Glasgow area, and you can contact Burnside Dental Practice to arrange a new patient NHS examination. Ask for an appointment with Stuart Duncan, he’d be delighted to see you as a new patient.