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Choosing your dentist

You can get lists of dentists from:

	Health and Social Services Councils
	Health and Social Services Boards
	Central Services Agency
	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
	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
	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.