We regularly hear about the struggle to find a dental practice that is accepting NHS patients in York. If you are looking for an NHS dentist, here is some information about where to start.
Dental care in York
Unfortunately, there are difficulties getting an NHS dentist in York, and this has been a problem for some time.
In York, we don’t know of any dental practices who are able to provide immediate NHS dental care. Some practices have long waiting lists and you may need to join a waiting list whilst considering other options.
For details of individual practices see the NHS Find a Dentist website: NHS Find a Dentist.
Healthwatch York is working hard to highlight these issues with senior decision makers in the City and have published reports on the subject.
Read our reports here:
Dentistry – A Service in Decay 2021
Dentistry In York: Gaps in Provision 2022
Find an NHS dentist
Advice from the NHS website:
The best way to try and find an NHS dentist which is taking on patients is to visit the NHS website and search for local dentists based on your postcode:
NHS Find a Dentist.
You will need to contact each practice directly and make enquiries.
The website indicates whether each practice is taking on patients. However, practices open and close their books to new patients as needed and do not necessarily keep these details up to date.
You are not bound by a catchment area for dental care (as you are for seeing a GP), so you can look further afield if you are able to travel.
Urgent care
If you need urgent dental treatment, contact your usual dental practice. They may be able to see you or direct you to an urgent dental care service.
If you don’t have a regular dentist, contact NHS 111 for advice on where you can get urgent care.
In serious circumstances you may need to visit A&E, such as if you are experiencing:
severe pain
heavy bleeding
injuries to the face, mouth or teeth
If you’re not sure whether you should go to A&E, contact NHS 111, who will be able to advise you.
The cost of emergency dental treatment is currently £25.80. You may be advised to make another appointment for a separate course of non-urgent treatment.
Having trouble finding an NHS dentist?
Contact your local Integrated Care Board
If you’ve been unable to find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). In York, this is the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
Integrated care boards commission dental services in England and are required to meet the needs of their local population for both urgent and routine dental care.
Contact the Experience Team of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board by:
Telephone: 01904 555999
E-mail: hnyicb.experience@nhs.net
In writing to:
The Experience Team
Humber and North Yorkshire ICB
Health Place
Wrawby Road
Brigg
DN20 8GS
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
If you’re not satisfied with the integrated care board’s (ICB’s) response, you can take your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, details on their website:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Information and Resources
NHS Website
The NHS website offers advice about how to take care of your teeth and gums: NHS.UK
NHS Dental Charges
If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need.
Some people do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment.
Further information is outlined on the NHS website here.
Dental Choices Website
Dental choices is a website that has a list of NHS dentists that are taking on new patients to their waiting list. You can search by your area and they will provide a list of dentists closest to you.
See their website here.
Oral Health Foundation
The Oral Health Foundation offer the following information:
- Advice about looking after the health of your mouth.
- Information about common problems and diseases in the mouth.
- Help understanding dental treatments and procedures.
They also provide answers to the most common dental questions.
Visit their website here.