About NearbyDentist
We're an independent UK guide built around one frustrating, very common problem: it has become genuinely hard to find an NHS dentist. Our job is to help you navigate that honestly.
What we are
NearbyDentist is a free, independent consumer resource for people across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We explain, in plain British English, how NHS and private dentistry actually work in 2026 — how to find an NHS dentist taking on new patients, what NHS treatment costs in pounds, how waiting lists work, your rights, children's dentistry, and what to do in an emergency.
What we are not
We want to be completely clear about this: we are not a dental practice. We don't have a surgery, we don't employ dentists, and we don't diagnose, treat or take appointments. We're not the NHS and we're not affiliated with any single clinic. We're a guide — a place to understand your options before you act.
Why we exist
Millions of people in the UK now search for an NHS dentist and come up empty. The advice they find is often thin, out of date, or quietly trying to sell them something. We set out to do the opposite: explain the real situation, give you a method that actually works, and be straight about the trade-offs of every option — including the ones we'd benefit from you choosing.
How we stay honest about treatment abroad
Some of our guides discuss dental treatment abroad, and we do link to clinics and services in that space. We think it's a legitimate option for some people facing large private bills they can't meet — but only with proper homework. So we cover the risks as plainly as the savings, we never pretend abroad is right for routine care, and we always point you to NHS and affordable UK routes first where they make sense. If a guide could earn us a referral, we'd rather you make the decision that's genuinely best for you.
Our editorial approach
Our content is written and reviewed by the NearbyDentist editorial team and aims to reflect official NHS charges and guidance. We reference trusted bodies including the NHS, the General Dental Council, the British Dental Association and the Oral Health Foundation. Where we quote prices, they're typical estimates, not quotes, and we say so. Nothing on this site is a substitute for advice from a GDC-registered dentist.
Get in touch
If you're stuck and want a free, no-obligation steer on your options, you can send us your situation and a photo and our team will help you understand what's realistic for your case.