Finding a dentist in Greater Manchester

Dental services in Greater Manchester

People have told us they're still looking for an NHS dentist who is taking on new patients. 

In February 2024 the Government announced the dental recovery plan, which outlines ways it intends to make it easier for people to get an NHS dental appointment through extra funding for appointments, bonus schemes for practices taking on new patients and mobile treatment vans. 

To find out more visit our explainer about how this will make it easier to access an appointment

Where's your nearest NHS dentist?

Use the NHS website to search for a dentist near you. The site also provides information on which dental practices currently accept new patients, whether they offer urgent appointments, and how others have rated the service.

While this is a good starting point for finding a local dentist, people often tell us that these records are only sometimes kept updated, so you should contact the practice directly for more information. If the records are out of date, you should let the practice know.

You can also visit a dentist outside your local area if it's more convenient. For example, if you prefer to see a dentist near where you work.

If you cannot find an NHS dentist taking on new patients, you should also notify NHS England about the issue, as it must provide routine and urgent dental care nationwide. Find out how to make a complaint here.

Urgent dental services have been set up across Greater Manchester and are continuing to see and treat patients. You can be referred to these via your usual dentist. Please contact them if you are in pain or in need of treatment, or contact the dental helpline on 0333 332 3800. You can also call NHS 111.

Children and young people

Parents and carers should telephone their usual dentist if their child is experiencing dental pain or changes to their mouth and face including swelling. The practice will assess the child’s needs over the phone and advise the best course of action. This may involve a face-to-face appointment, or a prescription.

Families can take the following steps to keep children’s teeth health:

• Start brushing teeth as soon as they come through, beginning with just a smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Help children to brush their teeth until they are about seven years old
• Ensure children brush twice a day, last thing at night and at one other time
• Teach children that toothpaste works best if it’s spat out, not rinsed away with lots of water or mouthwash.

How much does dental treatment cost?

Most people pay for dental treatment, but some patients are exempt.

A routine examination, which includes diagnosis, advice, a scale and polish and some preventative care if clinically needed, costs £25.80. However, if you require further dental treatment, this will be an additional cost.

Dental practices usually offer both NHS and private dental care. Before you begin your treatment, check whether you are paying for NHS, private treatment, or both.

NHS dentists should always:

• Explain which treatments are available on the NHS.
• Explain which treatments are only available privately.
• Ensure you know how much your NHS and private treatments will cost.

Find out more about what you should expect to pay for treatment.