Dentists
Dover Priory Dental Practice
3 Priory Road,Dover, Dover CT17 9RQ
Overview
Dover Priory Dental Practice is a dental clinic located in Dover, Kent, serving the local community and surrounding areas. Based at 3 Priory Road, the practice provides comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. Like most dental practices in the UK, it offers both NHS and private dental services, catering to different patient needs and preferences.
The practice typically provides a range of treatments including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, extractions, and preventative dental care. Many dental practices in Dover also offer cosmetic treatments and emergency dental services for patients experiencing dental pain or trauma.
Dover Priory Dental Practice serves the Dover community, including local residents and those travelling from nearby areas. Patients can contact the practice for appointment booking and enquiries about available services. The practice is conveniently positioned in Dover town, making it accessible to patients throughout the Kent region.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Dover Priory Dental Practice in Dover by calling 01304 206558, 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 Dover Priory Dental Practice directly on 01304 206558 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Dover Priory Dental Practice is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Dover accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Dover Priory Dental Practice, call 01304 206558 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 Dover Priory Dental Practice. 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.
Dover Priory Dental Practice 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.
Your dentist at Dover Priory Dental Practice 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.
Yes, Dover Priory Dental Practice 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Dover Priory Dental Practice 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 Dover Priory Dental Practice about private whitening options and pricing.
If you have a concern about your care at Dover Priory Dental Practice, 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.
Generally, you need to be registered with an NHS dental practice to receive routine care. However, any NHS dentist must provide emergency treatment if you are in pain, even if you are not registered with them. Contact Dover Priory Dental Practice on 01304 206558 to ask about emergency availability for non-registered patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, call NHS 111 for help finding one near Dover.
Yes, Dover Priory Dental Practice 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.
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 Dover Priory Dental Practice 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 Dover Priory Dental Practice about orthodontic referrals and private options.
Dover Priory Dental Practice in Dover typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Dover Priory Dental Practice on 01304 206558 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.
Dental implants are generally not available on the NHS except in very specific clinical circumstances (for example, if you cannot wear dentures due to severe bone loss or after oral cancer treatment). Dover Priory Dental Practice may offer dental implants as a private treatment, or can refer you to a specialist implant dentist. Implant treatment involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Ask Dover Priory Dental Practice about implant options and costs.