Can my dentist stop offering nhs treatment?
What Does It Mean When Your Dentist Goes Private?
When a practice becomes private, it means treatments are no longer funded by the NHS system. Instead, the practice sets its own fees based on:
Time spent with patients
Materials and laboratory costs
Equipment and technology used
Staff training and experience
Private dentistry doesn’t always mean high one-off bills.
Most private practices now offer monthly dental membership plans which help spread the cost of routine care.
These plans often include:
Regular dental examinations
Hygiene visits
Oral cancer screening
Preventive advice
Discounts on treatment if needed
For many patients, the monthly cost can be surprisingly manageable.
Option 1: Stay With Your Dentist
If you have a dentist you trust, staying with them may be the simplest choice.
One of the biggest benefits is continuity of care.
Your dentist already understands:
Your dental history
Previous treatments
Risk factors for future problems
That knowledge helps them detect issues earlier and plan treatment more effectively.
Private practices also often have more flexibility with appointment times, including longer consultations and sometimes evening or weekend availability.
Before making a decision, ask your dentist:
What membership plans are available
What routine care will cost
Whether finance options are available for treatment
Most practices will be happy to explain everything clearly.
Option 2: Find Another NHS Dentist
Some patients prefer to remain within the NHS system.
That is perfectly understandable, but availability can vary significantly depending on where you live.
In many areas of the UK there are waiting lists for NHS dental places, and some practices may not currently be accepting new NHS patients.
If you decide to search for another NHS dentist, you can:
Check the NHS website for practices accepting new patients
Contact local practices directly
Join waiting lists where available
Ask friends or family for recommendations
It’s worth starting this process early, as places can be limited.
Option 3: Move to Preventive Private Dentistry
Many patients discover that private dentistry actually focuses more heavily on preventive care.
Rather than simply fixing problems when they become painful, private practices often emphasise:
regular hygiene care
early diagnosis of small issues
lifestyle advice for long-term oral health
monitoring teeth and gums over time
This preventive approach can reduce the likelihood of needing complex treatment later.
In other words, the aim is to stop problems before they start.
For patients who value long-term health, this can be a very appealing model.
How Much Does Private Dentistry Cost?
One of the biggest concerns patients have when their dentist goes private is cost.
The reality is that fees vary between practices, but a typical private membership plan in the UK might cost between £15 and £35 per month, depending on the level of care included.
This often covers routine examinations and hygiene visits.
More complex treatments such as crowns, implants or orthodontics are charged separately, but many practices offer payment plans or finance options to help spread the cost.
It’s always best to ask for a clear treatment estimate before starting any procedure.
How to Choose the Right Dentist
If you are considering changing dentists - whether NHS or private - it’s worth taking a little time to find the right practice.
Here are a few things to look for:
Experience and qualifications
Check the dentist’s professional background and areas of interest.
Patient reviews
Online reviews can provide insight into other patients’ experiences.
Technology and facilities
Modern practices may use digital scanners, advanced imaging and other technologies to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive focus
Look for a practice that emphasises regular hygiene visits and long-term oral health.
Clear communication
The best dentists explain options clearly and involve patients in decision-making.
The Most Important Thing: Don’t Avoid the Dentist
One risk when a dentist goes private is that patients simply stop attending dental appointments altogether.
This is understandable if you’re unsure what to do next - but it can create bigger problems later.
Small dental issues rarely stay small.
A tiny cavity today can become a painful infection tomorrow if left untreated.
Regular dental check-ups help identify problems early when treatment is simpler, less invasive and usually less expensive.
Whether you choose NHS or private care, maintaining regular dental visits is one of the best ways to protect your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dentist suddenly stop offering NHS treatment?
Yes. A dental practice can choose to give up its NHS contract, although they must inform patients in advance so they can decide what to do next.
Do I have to stay with my dentist if they go private?
No. You are free to register with another practice if you prefer to remain within the NHS system.
Is private dentistry better than NHS dentistry?
Both systems aim to provide good care. Private dentistry often allows more flexibility in time, treatments and technology, while NHS dentistry focuses on essential care funded through the NHS.
Are private dental plans worth it?
For many patients, membership plans help spread the cost of preventive care and make regular visits easier to budget for.
Final Thoughts
If your dentist has recently gone private, it can feel unsettling at first.
But the key thing to remember is that you still have choices.
You can:
stay with your dentist under a private plan
find another NHS practice
explore preventive private dentistry options
The most important step is simply to keep looking after your oral health and continue seeing a dentist regularly.
If you’d like advice about your options, our team is always happy to help.
Need help deciding what to do next?
If your dentist has recently gone private and you’re unsure about your next step, feel free to contact our team on 01253 736633.
We’ll happily answer your questions and help you understand the options available so you can make the best decision for your dental health.