NHS DENTISTRY

The NHS dentist 2-year rule is a guideline that ensures you visit your NHS dentist regularly. If you don’t attend a dental check-up within a two-year period, you risk being removed from the NHS patient list. This rule helps maintain your access to NHS dental care and encourages you to visit your dentist regularly to maintain your oral health.

The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement.

Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each.

Your dentist should be able to provide treatment for you or, where the treatment is complex, will refer you to a practitioner with additional skills.

You may be offered an option to see a specialist privately as an alternative to being referred on the NHS.

It will be your choice whether you opt for the private treatment with this specialist or be referred to an NHS specialist service.

To help us manage NHS appointments fairly and ensure access for all patients, please note:

Patients who do not attend the practice for a routine clinical examination,

Have two consecutive failed attendances, or

Have two short-notice cancellations (with less than 2 days’ notice),

may be removed from our NHS register.

Dental professionals recommend attending a routine examination every six months to maintain good oral health.