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How to Register with a Dentist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering with a dentist in Bournemouth is an important part of maintaining your oral health, whether you’re moving to a new area or simply looking to switch providers. If you’ve never registered with a dentist before you may be wondering how to do it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the process of registering with a dentist, what steps to follow, what to expect during your first visit, and why having a trusted dental professional is essential for maintaining your oral health and overall well-being.

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What is The Registration Process?

Whether you’re looking for an NHS or private dentist, the process is generally straightforward. Here are the key steps:

1. Find a Suitable Dental Practice

The first step is to find a practice that fits your needs. Research local dental practices, paying attention to their location, services, patient reviews, and whether they are accepting new patients. Many practices have websites that allow you to check this information and sometimes even register online.

2. Contact the Practice

Once you’ve chosen a dental practice, reach out to confirm if they are accepting new patients. You can usually do this by phone or online. If you’re looking for an NHS dentist, bear in mind that some practices have waiting lists due to high demand.

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3. Complete Registration Forms

You’ll need to fill out registration forms with your personal information, medical history, and any relevant dental conditions.

4. Attend Your First Appointment

Your first appointment usually includes a comprehensive health check, where the dentist assesses your oral health and may create a treatment plan.

The dentist will typically start by reviewing your medical history and discussing any current concerns or dental issues you may have. We’ll do a full MOT, which will include X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and gums, photos, 3D scans and checklist to ensure no stone is unturned. The dentist will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, tooth wear and other dental conditions. A Professional Hygiene Visit is likely to be needed. This appointment is an opportunity to ask questions, understand your treatment options, and establish a care plan tailored to your dental health needs.

5. Consider Waiting Lists

You may encounter waiting lists due to high demand. If you need immediate care and cannot wait, you may want to consider registering with a private dentist for faster access or looking at an emergency appointment to get you out of trouble in the interim.

Registering for Emergency Dental Treatment

If you need to see a dentist for emergency dental care, many clinics offer same-day appointments for urgent cases. Some practices, like Smile Stories, can help get you out of trouble quickly, providing prompt treatment for issues such as severe pain, broken teeth, or other dental emergencies. It’s important to contact a dentist as soon as possible to ensure timely care, especially if you’re experiencing significant discomfort or have a serious dental issue.

Can You Be Registered with Two Dentists?

In the UK, you cannot be registered with two NHS dentists simultaneously. However, it is possible to see a private dentist alongside your NHS dentist or several private dentists, which is often the case when patients seek cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or Invisalign or require specialist care such as dental implants.

You can also choose to register with a dentist in different locations if needed (e.g., one near your home and another near your workplace), particularly if one or both are private. Always check with your dentist to see what their policies are regarding multiple registrations.

How Long Do Dentists Keep You Registered?

How long you remain registered with a dentist depends on your attendance. Most dentists, including NHS practices, will keep you on their list as long as you attend regular check-ups—typically every 6 to 24 months. However, if you fail to visit your dentist for an extended period, especially with NHS dentists, you may be removed from the patient list, as they prioritise those who regularly attend appointments.

Conclusion

Registering with a new dentist, whether NHS or private, is an easy process. Just follow the key steps outlined above and remember to keep up with your regular check-ups to remain on the register. If you are seeking specialist treatments like Invisalign or cosmetic procedures, consider registering with a dentist that offers both general and specialist treatments like Smile Stories in Bournemouth to ensure you get the best care for all your dental needs.

FAQs

How long will the first appointment last?

Your first appointment typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the check-up and any necessary consultations.

Why are check-ups more expensive at first?

The initial appointment often involves more thorough assessments, which might increase the cost. Subsequent routine check-ups are generally shorter and less costly.

Can you register children with a dentist?

Yes, you can register children a dentist and it’s a good idea to register your child as early as possible to ensure their oral health is monitored from a young age. Under NHS care, children under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education) receive free dental treatment however not all dentists provide NHS treatments for children and those that do may have very long waiting lists. 

What if you can’t find an NHS dentist?

Due to the increasing demand for NHS dental services, some patients find it difficult to register with an NHS dentist. If you cannot find one, your options include joining a waiting list, contacting NHS England for help, or registering with a private dentist for more immediate dental care.

For more information on finding an NHS dentist, you can visit the NHS website: Find an NHS Dentist.

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