Advice and Information

Q: Who do I contact if I have any queries regarding access to NHS dentistry?

A. If you have any queries regarding access to NHS dentistry please contact the dental line on 0300 303 8010.  The office is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.  During busy periods an answer phone will be in operation, but please leave your name and full contact details and a member of the team will contact you as soon as possible. 

Q: Can I complete one form for my whole family?

A. No, the form needs to be completed for each member of the family who requires an NHS dental place.

Q: If I enter details for more than one member of the family, will we be allocated with the same dentist?

A. We will endeavour to register the same family with the same dental practice.

Q: I am presently receiving dental treatment from a private dentist, am I able to add my details on the NHS dental waiting list?

A: Yes, if you are presently with a private dentist you can add your details to the NHS dental waiting list to be allocated to a NHS dentist. 

Q: I am already on a waiting list with a local NHS dentist, should I add my details to your dental waiting list? 

A: Yes, in line with how allocations are undertaken when an NHS dentist has available capacity, they will contact the NHS North Yorkshire and York, Dental Waiting List and we will send them a list of patients. 

Q: Can I request a specific NHS dental practice of my choice, which is close to home/work?

A: Yes, you can request a specific NHS dental practice of your choice, but this may result in you waiting longer to be allocated as the dental practice of your choice may not have available capacity.

Q: I have specific healthcare needs. Will these be accommodated?

A: If you have any specific healthcare needs, please contact the Dental line on 0300 303 8010 and ensure the staff are aware when your details are entered on the waiting list.

Q: How will NHS dental places be allocated?

A. NHS dental places will be allocated on a date of registration basis. When you make your application, your details will be submitted to the register on that date. When your name gets to the top of the register, you will be allocated the next NHS dental place as capacity is available.

Q: How are allocations made?

A: The NHS dental practice will request patients’ details from the NHS Dental Waiting list.  The dental practice will contact you either by phone or by letter to advise that you have been allocated to their NHS dental practice.

Q: Do I need to re-register my details as I have not heard from you?

A: No, if you have already registered your details, please do not re-register.

Q: I registered my details on your dental waiting list over a year ago and I have not heard from you, what should I do?

A: If you have any concerns regarding the length of time you have waited, please do not hesitate to contact the dental waiting list line on 0300 303 8010.

Q: Can I still register if I live outside the North Yorkshire and York PCT area?

A: The NYYPCT dental waiting list is primarily responsible for the residents within the catchment area.  If you do not reside in the NYYPCT area then we will forwarded your details to your local Primary Care Trust who will assist you in finding a NHS Dentist in your own locality. 

Q: How long am I likely to have to wait before I am offered an NHS dental place?

A: It is very difficult to tell you how long you will have to wait before being offered an NHS dental place.  We are working with a number of practices in the local area to increase NHS dental access.

Q. What happens if I do not want to accept the NHS dental practice you have allocated me to?

A. It is our aim to help and assist patients within the NYY PCT area find an NHS Dentist.  If  you do not  wish to accept the allocation, for whatever reason but still require an NHS Dentist you can contact the Dental Waiting List stating why you are unable to accept the allocation and to be added again to the waiting list.  The PCT will endeavour to allocate you to a dental practice of your choice.

Q. I am in dental pain and have not been allocated to an NHS Dentist, what service is available?