Patient guide
How to choose a dentist: 7 things to check
NHS or private, reviews you can trust, prices, nervous patients and more: what to look for when choosing a dental practice.
28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Whether you’ve just moved or want a change, here’s what to check when choosing a dentist.
1. NHS, private or both
Many practices offer both. If you want NHS treatment, look for practices taking new NHS patients and ask for an NHS appointment when you book. See what NHS treatment costs.
2. Reviews you can trust
Look for reviews from patients who really visited. On Toothfully, every review is checked, and reviews from invitations the practice sends after appointments are matched to real visits. Practices can reply to reviews but can’t edit or remove them. Read how we verify reviews.
Read a few recent reviews, not just the star rating, and look at how the practice replies to criticism.
3. Clear prices
Ask for a written treatment plan with costs before you agree to treatment. Private practices set their own prices, so it’s worth comparing. Many list their prices on their Toothfully page.
4. The treatments you need
If you’re likely to need something specific, like orthodontics, implants or treatment under sedation, check the practice offers it. You can filter by treatment on every town page.
5. Help for nervous patients
If you’re anxious, look for practices that mention nervous patients or sedation, and tell them when you book. A good practice will take time to explain things and agree a signal for you to ask them to stop.
6. Getting there, and opening times
Check the location, parking, public transport and step-free access, and whether they offer early, evening or weekend appointments if you need them.
7. Who you’ll see
All dentists and dental care professionals in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can ask which dentist you’ll see and what experience they have. Some practices list their team on their Toothfully page.
This is general information, not medical advice. Last checked September 2026.
Facts last checked 28 September 2026.
More patient guides
- Patient guide Missing teeth: implants, bridges or dentures? The three main ways to replace missing teeth, how they compare, and what to ask your dentist.
- Patient guide Dental emergency? What to do, and when to go to A&E Toothache, a knocked-out tooth or swelling: who to contact, how quickly, and when a dental problem needs A&E.
- Patient guide NHS dental charges explained (England, 2026 to 2027) What NHS dental treatment costs in England from April 2026: the three charge bands, urgent treatment, and who gets it free.