Seeing a dentist
It is important to have regular dental check-ups to detect any dental problems. You can use a Health Service dentist with a set scale of charges, or pay for a private dentist depending on the type of dental care and treatment you want.
Registering with a Health Service dentist
If you wish to register with a dental practice as a health service patient, you should contact practices in your area directly.
Not all practices have the capacity to take on new patients, so you may have to join a waiting list, or look for practices outside your area.
Further advice and a full list of dental practices in Northern Ireland is available at:
The dentist shouldn't assess you before they accept you for treatment as assessment is part of your treatment.
The dentist will decide and agree your treatment with you. They'll give you a treatment plan.
Once registered, you stay on that dentist's patient list for 24 months. This registration period will be extended if you return for another examination or further treatment during that period.
Treatments available from a Health Service dentist
Treatments available from a Health Service dentist include:
- an examination and assessment
- radiographs (x-rays)
- non-surgical treatment like scaling, polishing, periodontal (gum) treatments, small fillings and oral hygiene instruction
- surgical treatments like wisdom and other tooth removal
- fillings
- root canal fillings
- other treatments such as bridges, crowns, and dentures
- referral to a dental hospital for specialist treatment
Private dentistry
You can receive additional treatments, or treatment using alternative materials, if you choose to pay privately either with your Health Service dentist or another practice.
As a patient in a private dental practice, you can get some specialist treatment and pay for cosmetic dentistry that is not available under the Health Service. For example, you can have white fillings on your back teeth.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialise in moving and straightening teeth by using braces (orthodontic appliances).
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists work in dental practices scaling and polishing teeth, giving periodontal (gum) treatments and oral health promotion advice.
You should check with your practice whether this is available under Health Service or private arrangements.
Dental emergencies and out-of-hours care
If you are registered with a dentist
If you think you need urgent care, contact your dentist, if you have one, as some surgeries offer emergency dental appointments and will provide care if clinically necessary.
Information on what to do if you need urgent dental care out-of-hours is available at:
If you are not registered with a dentist
Weekdays
If you are experiencing an emergency, urgent or pressing dental condition, but are not registered with a dental practice or private scheme, you may be able to get an appointment through the dental access scheme.
To find out more about the scheme, including what dental conditions are included and where appointments are available, visit:
Out-of-hours emergency care
At weekends and bank holidays, you should contact the Emergency Dental Clinics (EDCs) directly. Contact details and further advice is available at:
Cost of dental treatment
If you pay for dental treatment, the cost will depend on the treatment you need.
Private costs are set individually by each dentist and practice and vary from practice to practice.
You should get a written treatment plan and estimate of costs before starting any private dental treatment.
Examples of Health Service dental charges is available at:
Eligible for free dental treatment
You get free dental treatment in Northern Ireland if you are:
- aged under 18
- aged 18 and in full-time education
- pregnant, or have had a child, within the 12 months before treatment starts
- a hospital inpatient and the treatment is carried out by a hospital dentist
- getting, or your partner gets Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- entitled to, or named on a valid tax credit exemption certificate
- a war pensioner and need the dental treatment test because of a disability which you get a war pension for
- a Hospital Dental Service outpatient
- a Community Dental Service patient
If you are a Hospital Dental Service outpatient or a Community Dental Service patient, you may have to pay for dentures and bridges.
Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income but aren't entitled to free dental care, you might get help with the costs under the Low Income Scheme. Find out more at:
Your rights
Your dentist should:
- explain the benefits and drawbacks of any treatment they recommend
- explain alternatives that may be available
- have your permission before they treat you - you can refuse treatment if you do not want it (although if your dentist considers you need it they may refuse to continue treating you)
- explain your dental records to you if you have any problems in understanding them
As a Health Service patient you are:
- free to get a second opinion - if another dentist charges you for this, the Health Service will not cover this cost
- entitled to stop the treatment if you are not satisfied
- able to inspect your records and x-rays at any time (within a maximum of 40 working days of a written request) free of charge - but you may have to pay for copies
- entitled to receive emergency treatment from your dentist or another dentist
- entitled to refuse payment for the treatment if it is proved to be unsatisfactory
If you are a member of a private dental insurance scheme, the rules of the scheme will usually mean that the dentist has to give you a fixed period of notice to end the scheme.
Your dentist must finish your present course of treatment and provide you with any emergency treatment you need in the meantime.