NHS dental care

NHS Dental Care

Visit us for your FREE NHS dental check-up. Get in touch with the team at Maryhill Smile Care in Glasgow today. We will be happy to help.
Dentistry services

What happens when I register?

When you have been accepted as an NHS patient, your friendly receptionist will ask you for some information:
  • She will need your name, address and a medical history form
  • You will be asked to sign a form to register with the practice
  • Arrange for you to have a dental check-up
  • Give you a practice information leaflet - this will tell you about the practice, and the services we have to offer
  • You can ask to register the whole family at the same time.
  • Children should be registered at about six months old or as soon as their first tooth appears.

What happens after I have registered?

You will be given a suitable appointment for a dental check-up.
During the check-up, your friendly dentist will:
  • Ask about any health problems and medication you are taking
  • Examine your mouth, teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken
  • Tell you how to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy, and
  • Tell you if you need treatment.
If you need treatment, your friendly dentist will:
  • Explain your options, including what treatments can be done on the NHS
  • Let you know how much the treatment may cost and give you a printed estimate
  • Give you a treatment plan setting out the treatment you need (see below for more information on treatment plans), and
  • Arrange for you to come back for more treatment.
When you have registered with the practice, you can stay with the practice for as long as you wish. However, your friendly dentist may decide to end your registration, for example if you miss your appointments.

What is a treatment plan?

A treatment plan is a document that sets out:
  • The dental treatment you need to maintain a healthy mouth and gums
  • The total cost of treatment
You will receive a treatment plan and estimate at your check-up appointment, if this changes your friendly dentist will let you know. You will be given a copy to take away with you.

What treatment can I get on the NHS?

As a registered NHS patient, you can get all the care, advice and treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

If you want any cosmetic work, you will need to pay for it privately. Some treatments are not available under the NHS, for example:
  • Teeth whitening
  • White fillings in back teeth
  • White crowns on back teeth
  • Dental implants and facial treatments
Most dentists who provide NHS treatment also offer private treatment. If you choose to get private treatment, your friendly dentist will:
  • Tell you how much any private treatment will cost
  • Explain your treatment options and give you an estimate of the cost

Will I have to pay for NHS treatment?

All adults over the age of 18 have to pay. In Scotland, NHS charges are set by the Scottish Government.

If you pay for treatment your friendly dentist will give you an estimate of the cost before treatment begins, but some adults may be entitled to free dental treatment.

NHS treatment is free if any of the following apply:
  • You have had a baby in the last 12 months, or are pregnant
  • You get income support, pension credit, income-based job seekers allowance, tax credits or have a current HC2/3 form.
You must tell your friendly dental team if don’t pay NHS charges or if you get help to pay them. You will be asked to show proof of this. Please bring the relevant documents with you at your first appointment to prove your exemption.
  • I am not registered with a dentist. Can I get NHS dental care?

    Yes. You may still be able to receive occasional treatment under the NHS if you are not registered with a dentist. However, you will need to find a dentist who agrees to give you occasional treatment.


    If you visit a dentist as an occasional patient, you will not be able to receive the full range of NHS dental treatments and may be charged for private dental care.

  • What if I need dental care in an emergency?

    If you are registered with a dentist:

    • During opening hours, contact your practice as early in the day as possible and we will try our best to fit you in
    • Outside opening hours, call the practice and an answer-phone message will let you know how to get advice.
  • Can you accommodate me as I work until late?

    We understand it can be difficult to arrange appointments around work and other commitments. At our practice we can offer evening appointments on a Thursday for those who are unable to attend normal working hours and offer Saturday appointments.

  • How often should I visit the dentist?

    Most children and adults should visit their dentist for regular check ups at least every six months. This also allows us to screen for oral cancer. People at a greater risk of oral disease should consider a check up more than twice a year.

  • Can I register with you if I live outside Glasgow?

    Yes, it doesn’t matter where you live. We have patients from the local area and all parts of Scotland who like to come to us for quality dental care and because they feel relaxed in our practice.

  • Can I register with you and receive treatments if I receive benefits and allowances?

    Yes, we will take your finances and situation into account when you register with us. Everyone is entitled to a free check-up as NHS patient with a maximum fee of £384 on the NHS. Please bring the exemption certificate with you on your first appointment and you will be entitled to free treatment on the NHS. 

  • What happens if I can't make an appointment?

    We will send you a text to your mobile phone the day before your scheduled appointment. As long as you let us know that you can’t make it at least 24 hours in advance, there will be no charge for missing an appointment. Unfortunately if you do not advise us, there will be a charge.

  • What happens if I have a dental emergency?

    Call us on 0141 332 1181 and we will endeavour to make you an appointment as soon as possible. Outwith normal opening hours, late evenings and weekends, we ask that you call the NHS 24 Helpline on 111. This service will be able to give you the best advice and you could be directed to the Glasgow Dental Hospital on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow for treatment if required.

What can I expect from my dentist?

Your friendly dentist will:
  • Provide any NHS dental treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy
  • Explain your treatment options and let you know what treatment can be done under the NHS
  • Give you a printed estimate of the treatment cost and get you to sign a copy
  • Let you know about any changes to your treatment

What does my dentist expect from me?

You should:
  • Attend all your dental appointments
  • Give the practice 24-48 hours notice if you cannot attend your appointment – failure to do so may result in a charge
  •  Let your dental practice know when any of your personal information changes
  •  Pay for your treatment at each visit
  • Treat dental staff with respect. If you are abusive, violent or threaten a member of staff or another patient at your dental practice, your dentist can refuse to treat you and can end your registration immediately
  • Follow advice on how to look after your mouth, teeth and gums
  • Follow advice on how to look after your child’s mouth, teeth and gums
  • Let your dentist know about any changes to your general health or to any medication
  • Ask if you don’t understand something

Childsmile Programme

Childsmile is a national programme designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland and reduce inequalities both in health and access to dental services.

The programme is also designed to welcome the children to the dental environment from a young age to promote dental health and reduce dental decay. From six months of age, dental appointments are made for the child on a regular basis.

This includes oral health advice, weaning advice, teething advice and toothbrush instruction. We also provide free dental packs, twice yearly fluoride varnish applications to children’s teeth from 2 years of age and regular check ups .

Families can book an appointment directly at the practice or by referral from a dental health support worker.

Nervous Patients 

Every patient is unique, and we want to help you have a pleasant dental experience.

We will be supportive and work at your pace, always explaining the treatment and how it will progress.

If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, please contact us on 0141 332 1181 with any concerns about your appointment. We will do our best to put your mind at ease in preparation for your visit.

To make an appointment for NHS dental treatments,  call us on

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