Find the Right Dental Service

Quick tool to help you find the right service for your dental needs

Step 1 of 3

Are you registered with an NHS dentist in Northern Ireland?

This helps us find the best service for you.

What do you need right now?

Select the option that best matches your situation.

What do you need?

This will help us direct you to the right service.

Tell us more about your problem (optional)

This helps us give you more targeted advice.

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Contact Your Dentist

For routine appointments like check-ups and cleanings, contact your registered dentist directly to book an appointment.

What you can expect:

Regular appointment slots (usually 1–4 weeks wait)
Full examination and preventive care
Standard NHS charges apply

Back to Search

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Search for an NHS Dentist

Use NI Dental Finder to search for NHS dentists accepting new patients in your area.

Next steps:

Go to our search page and filter by your trust area or location
Look for practices with "Accepting New NHS Patients" status
Call the practice to register (bring ID and proof of address)
Book your first appointment (initial assessment)

If no practices are accepting: Try another area, contact the DAS, or speak to your local HSCT.

Search for Dentists

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Contact Your Dentist — Emergency Appointment

Call your registered dentist and explain you need an urgent appointment.

What to do:

Phone during working hours
Explain your problem and ask for emergency appointment
Most practices reserve slots for urgent cases
You may be seen same-day or within 24 hours

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Use the Dental Access Scheme (DAS)

The DAS provides emergency NHS dental care for unregistered patients with urgent or pressing conditions.

What to do:

Call a DAS-participating practice during working hours
Describe your problem
Book an urgent appointment
Attend your appointment (bring ID and proof of address)

37 practices in Northern Ireland participate in DAS.

Learn About DAS

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Call Emergency Dental Service NOW

For severe symptoms (swelling, infection, bleeding, trauma):

Call the HSC Emergency Dental Clinic:

028 2566 3510

When: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays — 8am to 12 noon

Covers: Belfast, Northern, Southern and South Eastern Trust areas

Western Trust: Phone your local dental practice — a local rota operates at weekends.

All patients (registered and unregistered) can use this service. Phone first — calls are triaged by a dentist. Do not attend without an appointment.

If you have signs of serious infection or airway difficulty, call 999.

Full Emergency Info

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Out-of-Hours Emergency Service

HSC Emergency Dental Clinics (EDCs) are available at weekends and bank holidays for patients with urgent dental emergencies.

Phone: 028 2566 3510 — Sat/Sun/Bank Holidays, 8am–12 noon

Covers: Belfast, Northern, Southern and South Eastern Trust areas

Western Trust: Phone your local dental practice — a local rota operates at weekends.

Conditions treated: Severe pain, swelling, infection, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding

Cost: Standard NHS charges apply

Full Emergency Info

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How to Check If You're Registered

If you're not sure:

Call a local NHS dentist and give your name and postcode. They can check if you're registered.
Check your dental records — you should have an appointment card or letter from your dentist if registered.
Look for recent NHS dental bills or appointment reminders.

If you can't find out: Assume you're unregistered and use the DAS (for urgent problems) or search for a new practice (to register).

Search for Dentists

Common Questions

How is this triage tool different from diagnosing my condition?

This tool helps you find the right service (NHS dentist, DAS, emergency clinic) based on your situation. It does NOT diagnose your dental condition. Only a qualified dentist can diagnose. Always see a dentist for proper assessment.

Should I use emergency services for pain that isn't severe?

If you're in pain but it's manageable, try your dentist first (if registered) or DAS (if unregistered, during hours). Emergency services are for severe pain, infection, trauma, and swelling that can't wait.

What if my problem doesn't fit any of these categories?

Use your best judgment based on the options. If you're registered, contact your dentist. If unregistered and urgent, use DAS. If after hours and severe, use emergency services. When in doubt, call NHS 111 for advice.

Is this tool mobile-friendly?

Yes. This tool is designed to work on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. All buttons and text should be easy to use on your phone.