Health · I need medical help or a dentist
Urgent medical help and finding an NHS dentist.
Last verified: 1 November 2026· Based on NHS (nhs.uk)· Next review 1 February 2027
Quick answer
Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. For urgent problems that are not emergencies, use NHS 111 online or call 111. For a dentist, you can contact any NHS dental practice and ask for an NHS appointment.
Applies to: England — check local NHS services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Who this is for
- Anyone in England who needs urgent advice, including people not yet registered with a GP.
- Most adults pay a charge for NHS dental treatment; some people can get free treatment or help with costs.
Rules can depend on your own situation. If you are unsure, check the official page below before acting.
Step by step
- 1
Decide how urgent it is
Life-threatening (for example severe bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing): call 999. Urgent but not life-threatening: use 111.
- 2
Use NHS 111
Answer the questions at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. They can tell you where to go, or arrange for someone to contact you.
- 3
Find an NHS dentist
Search the NHS 'Find a dentist' service and contact practices directly. Ask specifically for an NHS appointment — some practices offer both NHS and private care.
- 4
Check costs before treatment
Read the NHS dental costs page to see the current charges and whether you qualify for free treatment.
If something goes wrong
No dentist near you is taking NHS patients
What to do: You may be offered a waiting list. NHS guidance says you can contact your local integrated care board (ICB), which manages dental services in your area and may know where appointments are available.
You need a dentist urgently or out of hours
What to do: Use NHS 111 — they can help you find an urgent dental appointment.
Official links
When you are ready to apply or check the detail, use these official services. Each opens in a new tab.
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Where this comes from
Based on NHS (nhs.uk). Last verified 1 November 2026; next review 1 February 2027.
MyAgumba explains official guidance in plain English. It is not legal, immigration or medical advice, and MyAgumba is not part of, or endorsed by, the government or the NHS. Always confirm the detail on the official page before acting.