Accessing dental care in Kent remains a challenge in 2025, with many patients still struggling to find an NHS dentist. A 2024 NHS survey found that around one in four people nationwide were unable to secure an NHS dental appointment. Meanwhile, national figures from May 2025 show that roughly 82% of new adult patients could not access NHS dental care. In response, the government has pledged an additional 700,000 urgent NHS appointments across England. This guide examines the current state of NHS dentistry in Kent, compares it with private care in terms of cost, waiting times, and services, and highlights the ongoing challenges patients face in accessing timely treatment. It also explains what constitutes an urgent dental issue and how patients can seek assistance when needed.
Is My Dental Problem Urgent Under NHS Rules?
Dental issues are considered urgent if they involve severe pain, infection, or injury that cannot wait for a routine check-up. According to NHS guidance, you should seek emergency dental care if you have any of the following:
- Knocked-out tooth or other dental injury – This includes fractured, chipped, or dislodged teeth. A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if it is replanted within an hour, so seek urgent help immediately.
- Severe, unrelenting toothache – If the pain is not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers, is disrupting your sleep or daily activities, or cannot be managed with self-help measures, it requires urgent attention.
- Painful swelling or abscess – Any swelling in the mouth or jaw that is getting worse should be checked urgently, especially if it is spreading quickly or making it difficult to breathe.
- Uncontrolled bleeding – Bleeding after a tooth extraction or injury that does not stop despite applying firm pressure with gauze may need stitches to close the wound and stop the bleeding.
- Complications after recent dental surgery – Extreme pain, infection, or other serious issues following procedures such as an extraction should be treated as urgent.
If you have any of these urgent problems, contact us immediately or call NHS 111 for advice. In a life-threatening situation such as heavy oral bleeding, facial or jaw fractures, or swelling that impedes breathing, call 999 or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments without delay. NHS 111 can also offer advice and direct you to emergency care when needed.
NHS dentistry in Kent — Current picture and what to expect
NHS dentistry in Kent is under significant pressure, with many practices operating long waitlists or closing their NHS patient lists altogether. This means local patients often face delays in accessing routine care.
Access to NHS dentistry has become increasingly challenging, prompting NHS England to take urgent action. For 2025/26, local commissioners have been directed to secure thousands of additional urgent dental slots, with priority given to areas facing the greatest unmet need. Patients in Kent should start to see more urgent NHS appointments becoming available, particularly for cases involving accidents or urgent dental problems.
However, for routine NHS dental care, persistence is key. You may need to join waiting lists, check regularly with local practices, or ask around for availability. The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for NHS dental services in your area if you can’t find an NHS dentist. They can help you find out if any practices nearby are currently taking on NHS patients.
Private dental care vs NHS
Cost: NHS dental treatment charges change annually, and as of 2025, the costs are fixed according to treatment bands:
- Band 1 (£27.40): A typical visit may include a routine exam, diagnosis, X-rays, a basic cleaning (scale and polish), fluoride treatment, and minor restorative work.
- Band 2 (£75.30): Includes all Band 1 services, plus fillings, extractions, root canal treatment (if required), and more extensive gum care.
- Band 3 (£326.70): Includes all Band 1 and Band 2 services, plus major treatments such as crowns, dentures, bridges, and orthodontics (braces).
- Urgent care fee (£27.40): Covers an NHS emergency appointment at the Band 1 rate, including initial treatment for pain or injury.
By contrast, private dentistry fees vary widely and are generally higher:
- New patient exam: £60–£95
- Routine check-up: £40–£65
- Hygiene appointment: £60–£90
- White fillings: £90–£180+
- Crowns: £500–£850+
- Dental implants: ~£2,000
Overall, private treatment can cost 2–5 times more than the NHS equivalent. NHS dentistry remains significantly cheaper due to subsidies and fixed charges.
Wait times: Private care is generally much quicker to access. Private dentists often offer same-day or next-day appointments for emergencies, while NHS appointments can take weeks or even months for both routine and urgent cases and especially for new patients. This delay is largely due to a decline in NHS dentist numbers and the structure of the NHS dental contract. If you are in severe pain and cannot get an NHS slot, a private practice will usually see you sooner, though at a higher cost.
Benefits: NHS treatment covers all clinically necessary care, typically using standard materials (for example, a metal alloy for a crown). Private care allows you to choose upgrades such as tooth-coloured fillings, ceramic crowns, Invisalign braces, cosmetic whitening, implants, and more. Private clinics also often provide additional amenities such as longer appointments, digital scanning, sedation for anxious patients, and flexible hours. NHS care offers free or subsidised treatment for eligible groups, and in some cases, may cover all costs, something a private practice generally cannot do.
How Warwick Lodge Dental helps
Warwick Lodge Dental & Implant Centre is a private practice serving patients across Kent. Our clinic offers a full range of treatments, including routine check-ups, fillings, gum treatment, dentures and implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and more. We place strong emphasis on personalised care, with a focus on preventive and paediatric dentistry, and also provide prompt emergency dental care. This includes treatment for dental injuries such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, with same-day or next-day emergency appointments available for patients in pain. To make treatment more accessible, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options for private care.
If you are experiencing urgent dental pain in Kent, contact us directly on 01227 375 592 or visit our website to request an emergency appointment. We will assess your situation and arrange to see you as quickly as possible.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How quickly can I get an appointment at Warwick Lodge Dental?
For emergencies, we aim to offer same-day or next-day appointments wherever possible. Routine appointments can usually be booked within days, depending on availability.
2. What areas of Kent does Warwick Lodge Dental serve?
We welcome patients from across Kent, including Canterbury, Herne Bay, and surrounding towns.
3. What payment options are available for treatment?
We accept all major payment methods and offer finance plans to spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly payments.
4. Can I see Warwick Lodge Dental for NHS treatment?
No, Warwick Lodge Dental & Implant Centre is a private practice. All treatments are provided privately, but we offer flexible payment plans to help make care more affordable.
5. What happens during a dental emergency appointment?
During an emergency appointment at Warwick Lodge Dental, we focus on quickly easing your pain and stabilising the issue. We aim to provide immediate treatment and arrange follow-up if needed.