Dentists
Franklin House Dental Practice
Franklin House,15 Franklin Road,Gillingham, Gillingham ME7 4DF
Overview
Franklin House Dental Practice is a dental healthcare provider located in Gillingham, Kent. Based on its Franklin Road location in the ME7 postcode area, the practice serves the local Gillingham community and surrounding areas of Kent. Like most dental practices in the UK, it provides comprehensive general dentistry services to NHS and private patients.
The practice typically offers services including routine dental examinations, professional cleaning, fillings, extractions, and preventative care. Many modern dental practices in this area also provide cosmetic treatments and orthodontic services, depending on the qualifications of the dental team. The practice is likely to have experienced dentists and dental nurses who work to maintain high standards of oral healthcare.
As a registered dental practice, Franklin House Dental Practice operates under the regulations of the Care Quality Commission and follows NHS guidelines where applicable. Patients can contact the practice directly to register as a new patient, book appointments, and enquire about available services, emergency care, and treatment costs. The practice aims to provide accessible dental care to help patients maintain good oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Franklin House Dental Practice in Gillingham by calling 01634 853030, 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 Franklin House Dental Practice directly on 01634 853030 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Franklin House Dental Practice is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Gillingham accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Franklin House Dental Practice, call 01634 853030 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 Franklin House 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.
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). Franklin House 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 Franklin House Dental Practice about implant options and costs.
Your dentist at Franklin House 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, Franklin House Dental Practice 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, every routine dental check-up at Franklin House Dental Practice 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 Franklin House Dental Practice promptly.
If you have a concern about your care at Franklin House 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.
Yes, you can transfer to Franklin House Dental Practice at any time. Simply contact the practice on 01634 853030 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 Franklin House Dental Practice may incur a new NHS charge.
Yes, Franklin House 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.
Franklin House Dental Practice in Gillingham typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Franklin House Dental Practice on 01634 853030 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.
Franklin House 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Franklin House 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 Franklin House Dental Practice about private whitening options and pricing.