FAQs

Why am I no longer registered as an NHS patient?

The government changed the dental contract in 2006 removing registration for dental patients.  As such practices have to see patients based on capacity and are unable to reserve slots for previous patients.

You’ve always seen me on the NHS before, why can’t you now?

Over the last couple of years over 3000 dentists have left the NHS, including some of the dentists that used to work at the practice. We have worked hard to recruit new NHS dentists, but we have not been able to restore NHS capacity to previous levels.  This means we do not have availability to see all our previous NHS patients, including for emergency treatment. You can find an alternative NHS practice by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/

What should I do if I have an emergency?

If the practice is unable to offer you an emergency appointment you can seek NHS urgent care elsewhere by ringing 0161 476 9651.

How do you work out who you will see on the NHS?

We assess our NHS capacity continually. We can only safely look after a certain number of patients per NHS dentist.  This number is based on those patients most recently seen by that dentist, or if they have space, we can include patients previously seen by another dentist.

Why can you offer me an appointment privately but not on the NHS?

Many dental practices offer a mix of NHS and private care in order to keep the practice viable.  We have been able to recruit dentists who are able to work across private and NHS care.  At times they have private capacity available, when their NHS capacity is full.

Does being seen privately or at another practice stop me being seen on the NHS at Swanside in the future?

Not at all. If we have NHS capacity in the future you will be able to opt to have NHS care here. We will invite previous patients for check ups when we are able to do so.

What is the practice doing about the situation?

We are continuing to try and recruit NHS dentists and are in active talks with the Integrated Care Board to support us in this.