Health Resources
How to register with a Dentist
To become registered with a dentist (GDP), you have to telephone the practices in
your local area and ask if they are taking on any new patients. You should make
it clear to the person answering the phone if you are looking for NHS treatment
only, otherwise you may be charged for private treatment.
If they are taking on new patients, you should arrange to be seen for a check-up.
You may not be able to be seen by the dentist that day, and so should try to register
with a dentist as soon as possible and definitely before you experience any toothache.
If the practice is accepting new patients, you may be asked to fill out a form to
provide your name, address etc and medical history at your first appointment. You
may also have to provide proof of entitlement to free or reduced cost NHS treatment
and so should bring the relevant documentation.
If you needs to cancel or change an appointment, you should contact the practice
as soon as possible as many charge for missed appointments. You should also be aware
that you must attend at least every 15 months to maintain your registration, otherwise
you may lapse from the dentist's list and have to register again. You may not always
be able to register with the same practice once your registration has lapsed.
If you experience severe dental pain and cannot arrange to be seen by a Dentist,
you may be able to be seen by the Emergency Dental Service. Urgent Care or Advice
on weekdays (including advice on registering with an NHS dentist): Telephone
NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Daytime Advice Line on: 01563 578664
If your dental emergency is during the out-of-hours period or at the weekend, you
should contact the following number: Telephone NHS 24 ON 08454 24 24 24
Please be aware that this service is for one-off emergencies and is not a substitute
for registration with a Dentist.
If you experience difficulty becoming registered with a dentist, you should telephone
the Dental Management Team at Ailsa Hospital for advice. Their number is 01292 513848.
A full list of dentists are available from
NHS Ayrshire and Arran