Dentists

The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. Your dentist will make clear what treatments can be provided on the NHS and what this will cost.

You can register with any dental surgery that is convenient for you, however surgeries may not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients and you may have to join a waiting list or be seen privately.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you here.

You can also call 0300 311 2233 to help find you a local dental surgery.

Access to dental care has been challenging for some time and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse with practices seeing less patients and having to prioritise due to infection prevention control regulations and long waiting lists for NHS dentists.

Dental services in Knowsley are currently managed by NHS England but this is changing.  From 1 April 2023, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside will manage dental services in the region with the aim of reforming the dental system.

Additionally, an Oral Health Group has been established for Knowsley bringing together the Council (who have a statutory duty to improve oral health for their population) and health partners which aims to improve patient access to NHS care, changes to workforce and training and address inequalities in oral health.

Urgent dental care

If you need dental treatment in an emergency, call your dentist surgery as some surgeries offer appointments at short notice or out of hours.  You can also call NHS 111 to find an out of hours dentist near you.

Your local pharmacist can help with advice on what to do if you have a toothache.

Do not contact your GP as they will not be able to offer emergency or out of hours dental care.

Urgent dental care for members of the public not registered with a dentist can be accessed via the helpline between the hours of 8.00am to 10.00pm every day, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Cheshire and Merseyside dental helpline: 0161 476 9651

If you have facial swelling, eyesight or breathing problems following toothache please seek immediate medical attention by calling 111.

Cost of NHS dental treatment

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you’re:

• under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
• receiving low income benefits, or you’re under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits

Visit the NHS website to find out more.

Low income benefits

You’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit (in certain circumstances)

Certificates to help with health costs

You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you’re entitled to or named on:

• a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• a valid HC2 certificate – which is available for people on a low income
• a valid maternity exemption certificate

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

People on a low income can include some students and pensioners.

You’ll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment.

You’ll also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay.

You can find out more about NHS dental services, how to find a dentist and the cost of treatment here.