NHS Dental Services
At Ashdown Dental, we are proud to provide high-quality dental care to both our private and NHS patients.
Important Information for NHS Patients
We hold a very small NHS contract, which means we can only offer a limited number of NHS appointments each year.
Due to this, we are currently unable to accept new NHS patients, and regrettably, we are not always able to offer routine NHS appointments to all of our existing NHS patients
We understand how important regular dental care is and truly appreciate your understanding. For patients who wish to be seen more regularly or access a wider range of treatment options, we offer a variety of private and membership plans designed to provide flexibility, affordability, and continuity of care.
What NHS Dentistry Covers
NHS dental treatment covers all treatment that is clinically necessary to maintain good oral health — for example:
- Dental examinations and advice
- Fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment
- Crowns, dentures, and bridges (where clinically indicated)
Cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening, composite bonding, and veneers are not available under the NHS, but we are pleased to offer a wide range of private options for patients interested in improving the appearance of their smile.
NHS Treatment Bands and Charges (2025)
NHS dental charges are set nationally by the Department of Health and fall into three bands:
Band 1
£26.80
Covers examination, diagnosis, advice, and simple treatments such as a scale and polish (if clinically necessary).
Band 2
£73.50
Covers all Band 1 items plus fillings, root canal treatment, or extractions.
Band 3
£319.10
Covers all Band 1 and 2 items plus more complex procedures such as crowns and dentures.
(Correct for England, April 2025)
Unable to attend an NHS appointment?
If you’re unable to access an NHS appointment, our friendly team can talk you through alternative options.
We offer Ashdown Dental Membership Plans that include:
- Regular check-ups and hygiene visits
- Discounts on a wide range of treatments
- The option to spread the cost monthly
This helps you maintain your oral health with predictable, affordable payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I get an NHS appointment?
We hold a very small NHS contract, meaning the number of NHS appointments available each year is limited. We prioritise those already under our care where possible.
Can I join as a private patient instead?
Yes — we welcome new private patients and offer a range of membership plans and treatment options to suit all needs and budgets.
What if I’m an NHS patient who needs urgent care?
If you are already registered with us under the NHS and experience dental pain, please contact our reception as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.
Will you contact me if NHS spaces become available?
If our NHS capacity changes, we will update this page and inform patients who have expressed interest in joining the NHS list.