Dentists
Ball Tree Dental Surgery
43 Busticle Lane,Sompting,Lancing, Lancing BN15 0DJ
Overview
Ball Tree Dental Surgery is a dental practice located in Lancing, West Sussex, serving the local community with comprehensive oral healthcare services. Based on its location in the residential area of Sompting, the practice provides general dentistry to patients of all ages in the surrounding region.
As a typical UK dental surgery, Ball Tree Dental likely offers a range of services including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, extractions, and preventative dental care. The practice may also provide cosmetic treatments and emergency dental services depending on its specific offerings. The surgery caters to both NHS and private patients, helping maintain dental health across the community.
The practice operates during standard dental surgery hours and welcomes new patient registrations. Like other UK dental surgeries, Ball Tree Dental Surgery is regulated by the General Dental Council and maintains professional standards of care. Patients can typically book appointments by contacting the surgery directly, and the practice aims to provide accessible, quality dental treatment in a professional environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Ball Tree Dental Surgery in Lancing by calling the practice, visiting the practice in person, or completing a registration form on their website. Unlike GP registration, you do not need to live within a catchment area to join an NHS dentist — you can register with any practice that is accepting NHS patients. You will be asked for your name, date of birth, address, medical history, and details of any medications you take. Your first appointment will usually include a full dental examination.
NHS dental places can be limited and availability changes frequently. Contact Ball Tree Dental Surgery directly on the practice to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Ball Tree Dental Surgery is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Lancing accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Ball Tree Dental Surgery, call the practice during opening hours for an emergency appointment. Outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 for advice — they can direct you to the nearest emergency dental service. Go to A&E only if you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or trauma to the face or jaw. For dental pain at home, take over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen or paracetamol), rinse with warm salt water, and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.
NHS dental charges in England are set nationally and apply at Ball Tree Dental Surgery. As of 2024, Band 1 (check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, preventive advice) costs £26.80. Band 2 (fillings, root canal treatment, extractions) costs £73.50. Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) costs £319.10. An urgent dental treatment charge is £26.80. If you need more than one treatment in the same course, you only pay the highest band. You may be entitled to free NHS dental care if you are under 18, under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving certain benefits, or hold an HC2 certificate.
Ball Tree Dental Surgery follows strict infection control protocols as required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Department of Health. Measures include sterilisation of all instruments using autoclaves, single-use disposable items (gloves, masks, suction tips) for every patient, surface disinfection between appointments, hand hygiene protocols for all clinical staff, and regular infection control audits. These measures protect patients and staff from cross-infection. You can ask to see the practice's infection control policy if you wish.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Ball Tree Dental Surgery may offer private tooth whitening services. Professional dental whitening is safe when carried out by a registered dental professional and typically involves custom-made trays with whitening gel for home use, or in-surgery whitening. In the UK, only registered dental professionals can legally carry out tooth whitening. Ask Ball Tree Dental Surgery about private whitening options and pricing.
Ball Tree Dental Surgery aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact the practice on the practice to confirm wheelchair access, ground-floor surgery availability, accessible parking, and any other adjustments you may need. Under the Equality Act 2010, dental practices are required to make reasonable adjustments for patients with disabilities. If you have mobility, sensory, or communication needs, let the practice know in advance so they can prepare for your visit.
Yes, Ball Tree Dental Surgery provides full and partial dentures as part of NHS Band 3 treatment (currently £319.10). This includes the cost of the dentures themselves, all fittings and adjustments, and any other treatment needed in the same course (such as extractions). Private dentures may also be available with upgraded materials and aesthetics. Your dentist will discuss the options and help you choose the best solution for your needs. Allow several weeks for denture construction as they require multiple appointments.
Ball Tree Dental Surgery in Lancing provides a full range of NHS dental treatments including routine check-ups and examinations, scale and polish, fillings (amalgam and tooth-coloured where clinically appropriate), root canal treatment, tooth extractions, dentures (full and partial), crowns, bridges, and dental X-rays. Preventive care such as fluoride varnish for children and fissure sealants is also available on the NHS. Your dentist will explain which treatments are available under the NHS and which may only be offered privately.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Ball Tree Dental Surgery includes a soft tissue examination where the dentist checks the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any unusual changes that could indicate oral cancer. This takes only a few minutes and is included in your Band 1 check-up. Mouth cancer can affect anyone but is more common in smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with HPV. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. If you notice any unusual lumps, ulcers lasting more than 3 weeks, red or white patches, or difficulty swallowing, contact Ball Tree Dental Surgery promptly.
If you have a concern about your care at Ball Tree Dental Surgery, speak to the practice manager first — most issues can be resolved informally and quickly. If you wish to make a formal complaint, write to the practice manager with details of the issue within 12 months. The practice must acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days. If you are not satisfied with the practice response, you can contact NHS England (for NHS treatment complaints), the General Dental Council (GDC) if you have concerns about a dentist's fitness to practise, or the Dental Complaints Service for private treatment disputes.
Ball Tree Dental Surgery in Lancing typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Ball Tree Dental Surgery on the practice for their current opening times and to find the most convenient appointment slot. Emergency slots are usually available each day for registered patients with urgent problems.
Yes, Ball Tree Dental Surgery has dental hygienists who provide professional cleaning (scale and polish), stain removal, advice on brushing and flossing techniques, treatment for gum disease, and fluoride treatments. On the NHS, a scale and polish is included in a Band 1 check-up if your dentist deems it clinically necessary. Some patients choose to book additional private hygienist appointments for more thorough cleaning — ask Ball Tree Dental Surgery about private hygiene fees.
Your dentist at Ball Tree Dental Surgery will recommend a recall interval based on your individual oral health needs. NHS guidelines (NICE) recommend check-ups every 3 to 24 months for adults and every 3 to 12 months for children and young people under 18. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you may only need to visit once every 12-24 months. Patients with gum disease, a history of decay, or other risk factors may need more frequent visits. Your dentist will advise the best interval for you at each appointment.