Dentists provide treatment to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.
Your dentist can:
- provide regular check ups on your teeth and gums (adults should have a check up at least every two years, under 18’s should have a check up at least once a year)
- teach you how to look after your teeth and gums to prevent problems
- restore teeth damaged or lost due to decay, in an accident or other reasons.
If you need to see a dentist outside of normal opening hours, use the NHS 111 online service or call 111.
Find a dentist
Some dentists provide a mixture of NHS and private care – while some are private only.
- You can use the NHS Find a dentist service to find local dental services.
- You can also find out the NHS dental costs explained and more about Dental services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Don’t have a dentist?
People who do not have a dentist should call Cornwall’s emergency dental service on 0333 405 0290 or email Smile Together.
Changes to commissioning of Dental services
From April 2023, Integrated Care Boards have taken responsibility for dental functions as part of new delegated responsibilities which also includes pharmaceutical and ophthalmic functions.
For more information, please go to the Commissioning page on NHSE’s website which will go towards answering any further questions – NHS commissioning » How commissioning is changing (england.nhs.uk)