Dentists
Highland Dental Care
The Old Police Station,Cornwood Road,Ivybridge, Ivybridge PL21 9GX
Overview
Highland Dental Care is a dental practice located in Ivybridge, a town in South Devon. The practice is situated at The Old Police Station on Cornwood Road, a distinctive converted building that gives the practice a unique character within the local community. This location makes it easily accessible to residents of Ivybridge and the surrounding areas.
As a dental practice, Highland Dental Care provides comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages. The practice typically offers general dentistry treatments including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, and preventative care advice. Many modern dental practices in the UK also provide cosmetic treatments and other specialist services, though specific offerings may vary.
The practice serves the local Ivybridge population and surrounding communities in the South Hams area. Highland Dental Care aims to provide quality dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. Like most UK dental practices, it operates under regulations set by the General Dental Council and is committed to maintaining high standards of patient care and hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Highland Dental Care in Ivybridge by calling 01752 893152, 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 Highland Dental Care directly on 01752 893152 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Highland Dental Care is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Ivybridge accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Highland Dental Care, call 01752 893152 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 Highland Dental Care. 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.
During a routine check-up at Highland Dental Care, 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.
Highland Dental Care in Ivybridge typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Highland Dental Care on 01752 893152 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.
If you have a concern about your care at Highland Dental Care, 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.
NHS dental charges at Highland Dental Care are payable at the time of treatment. Most practices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You should receive a receipt and an FP17DC form confirming your NHS treatment and the band charged. If you are exempt from charges, bring evidence (such as a maternity exemption certificate, HC2 certificate, or proof of benefits). For private treatment, Highland Dental Care may offer payment plans or finance options — ask the practice for details.
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). Highland Dental Care 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 Highland Dental Care about implant options and costs.
Yes, Highland Dental Care 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.
Your dentist at Highland Dental Care 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.
Highland Dental Care 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 Highland Dental Care for a written treatment plan with costs before starting any private work so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, you can transfer to Highland Dental Care at any time. Simply contact the practice on 01752 893152 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 Highland Dental Care may incur a new NHS charge.
Highland Dental Care understands that many patients feel anxious about visiting the dentist. The practice offers a supportive, understanding environment and can accommodate nervous patients with longer appointment times, a detailed explanation of each step before it happens, the option to pause treatment at any time, distraction techniques, and referral for sedation if appropriate. Let the team know about your anxiety when booking — they will do everything they can to make your visit comfortable. Severe dental phobia can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) through the NHS.