Choosing your dentist

You can get lists of dentists from:

• Health and Social Services Councils;
• Health and Social Services Boards;
• Central Services Agency; and
• Yellow Pages.

Always check that the dentist you contact will treat you on the NHS, if not you can contact your Health and Social Services Board for suggestions. For more information ask the dentist for a copy of their practice leaflet.

Registration

• You .will need a medical card issued in Northern Ireland to register.
• To obtain a medical card you need to complete form HSS22X (available from your Doctor's surgery or the Central Services Agency).
• Your registration will end after 15 months if you have not attended your dentist.
• It is important to keep your registration up to date.

Treatment plan

After your checkup ask your dentist for a treatment plan. The plan will tell you:

• what treatment you need;
• how much it will cost; and
• what treatment is not covered by the NHS.

When you sign the treatment plan you agree to the treatment and the costs. Your dentist will give you a copy of this plan.

Free Treatment

You can get free treatment if you are:

• under 18;
• under 19 and still in full-time education;
• pregnant or have had a baby within the last 12 months;
• receiving certain benefits; or
• on a low income.

Leaflet HC II which you can get from social security offices, post offices or the Central Services Agency, gives more details.

Infection Control

• All instruments should be sterilised each time they are used.
• Your dentist and the assistants should normally wear gloves, masks and eye protection.
• Your dentist should offer safety goggles to protect your eyes during treatment.

Emergencies

If you are registered with a dentist, they will provide emergency cover. If there is an emergency, you should phone the surgery for advice.

Home visits

If you can't get to the dentist and you live within five miles of the surgery, your dentist may visit you at home. There is no extra charge for this.

Changing dentists

You can change your dentist at any time. Cancel any appointment you have with your existing dentist and ask for a note of any treatment you may need to finish your present course of treatment.

If things go wrong

• If you can't keep an appointment, tell your dentist as soon as possible.
• Your dentist will repair or replace, free of charge, certain items of NHS work if they go wrong within 12 months.
• If you are not satisfied with your treatment, talk to your dentist first.

You have a right to take your complaint further. For more information on how to complain, contact your Health and Social Services Council.

You have a right to be treated politely with respect for your privacy and dignity.