Dentists
Buntingford Dental Clinic
23 High Street,Buntingford, Buntingford SG9 9AB
Overview
Buntingford Dental Clinic is a dental practice located in the heart of Buntingford town centre on High Street. Like most dental clinics in this location, it serves the local community and surrounding areas of Hertfordshire with comprehensive dental care services.
The practice typically provides a range of general dental services including routine check-ups, cleaning, fillings, and preventative treatments. Many clinics in this market town setting also offer cosmetic dentistry options and emergency dental care for patients experiencing dental pain or trauma.
The clinic is conveniently positioned on High Street, making it easily accessible to residents and workers in Buntingford. As a local dental practice, it likely maintains standard NHS and private treatment options to cater to different patient needs and preferences. The practice would typically welcome new patients and offer appointment booking for both routine visits and emergency dental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Buntingford Dental Clinic in Buntingford by calling 01763 271676, 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 Buntingford Dental Clinic directly on 01763 271676 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Buntingford Dental Clinic is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Buntingford accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Buntingford Dental Clinic, call 01763 271676 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 Buntingford Dental Clinic. 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.
NHS orthodontic treatment (braces) is available for children under 18 if they meet clinical criteria (assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need — IOTN). Your dentist at Buntingford Dental Clinic can assess your child and refer them to an orthodontist if needed. NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s. Adults are generally not eligible for NHS orthodontics and would need to explore private options such as fixed braces, Invisalign, or other clear aligner systems. Ask Buntingford Dental Clinic about orthodontic referrals and private options.
Buntingford Dental Clinic in Buntingford typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Buntingford Dental Clinic on 01763 271676 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Buntingford Dental Clinic 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 Buntingford Dental Clinic about private whitening options and pricing.
During a routine check-up at Buntingford Dental Clinic, your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay, check your gums for gum disease, examine the soft tissues of your mouth (tongue, cheeks, palate, throat) for any abnormalities including signs of oral cancer, review any existing dental work (fillings, crowns, dentures), take X-rays if needed to check between teeth and below the gum line, carry out a scale and polish if clinically indicated, and discuss your oral hygiene routine. The entire appointment typically takes 20-30 minutes.
Yes, Buntingford Dental Clinic welcomes children of all ages. NHS dental care is free for all children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education). Services include regular check-ups, fluoride varnish applications (recommended from age 3), fissure sealants to protect back teeth, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic assessments. It is recommended to take your child to the dentist from when their first milk teeth appear (around 6 months) or by their first birthday. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dental environment.
Your dentist at Buntingford Dental Clinic 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.
Buntingford Dental Clinic aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact the practice on 01763 271676 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.
Buntingford Dental Clinic may offer private dental treatments alongside NHS care. Common private options include tooth-coloured (white) fillings on back teeth, porcelain crowns and veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants, invisible braces (such as Invisalign), and private hygienist appointments. Private treatment is not subject to NHS band charges and is priced per procedure. Ask Buntingford Dental Clinic for a written treatment plan with costs before starting any private work so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, Buntingford Dental Clinic uses dental X-rays as part of routine examinations. These may include bitewing X-rays (to check between teeth for decay and bone levels), periapical X-rays (to see the root of a specific tooth), and panoramic X-rays (a full view of all teeth and jaws). Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation and are safe. Your dentist will only take X-rays when clinically necessary — typically every 6 to 24 months depending on your risk of dental disease. X-rays are included in NHS Band 1 charges.
Yes, you can transfer to Buntingford Dental Clinic at any time. Simply contact the practice on 01763 271676 to register as a new patient. Your dental records will be requested from your previous practice. If you are mid-treatment at another practice, it is best to complete that course of treatment before transferring, as a new course of treatment at Buntingford Dental Clinic may incur a new NHS charge.