Taking your child to the dentist: when to start
By Dr Faiz Azizan Data last checked How we list clinics
Take your child to the dentist when their first teeth appear, and keep going regularly. NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18, but you need a practice that offers NHS care. Ask when you register about appointments, fluoride advice and how the practice helps nervous children.
When to go
NHS advice is to start dental visits as soon as the first teeth come through, so the dentist can check development and talk about brushing, diet and fluoride.
Cost
NHS dental treatment is free for under 18s, and for under 19s in qualifying full-time education. You must still be registered with or seen by a practice that provides NHS care.
Finding a practice
Use NHS Find a dentist and call practices to ask about NHS children's appointments. Some practices say on their websites that they treat children; this directory shows those mentions where they exist.
Questions to ask your dentist
- Are you taking on NHS children, and how do I register my child?
- At what age do you recommend the first visit, and how often after that?
- How do you help children who are nervous?
- What can we do at home to reduce the risk of decay?
Hertfordshire dentists that mention this treatment
Compare practices whose own websites mention this treatment, by town:
Credentials and treatments on those pages are stated by each practice and are not verified; see the methodology.
Sources
This guide is general information compiled by an independent directory, not clinical advice. See the disclaimer and methodology.