Dentists
HMP Whatton
New Lane,Whatton,Nottingham, Nottingham NG13 9FQ
Overview
HMP Whatton is a Category C men's prison located in Nottinghamshire, serving the East Midlands region. The facility operates as a training and resettlement prison, focusing on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for eventual release back into the community. The prison accommodates around 600 prisoners and maintains a working prison regime where inmates engage in various education, vocational training, and employment programmes designed to reduce reoffending.
The prison provides a range of services including educational courses, industrial workshops, and counselling support to help prisoners develop skills and address underlying issues. HMP Whatton emphasises rehabilitation through work, with inmates participating in industries such as textiles, kitchens, and maintenance. The facility also offers mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and support for family contact through visits and communication facilities.
As part of the UK prison system managed by HM Prison and Probation Service, HMP Whatton works alongside external agencies and charities to support prisoner welfare and successful reintegration into society. The prison is accessible by road from Nottingham and maintains regular visiting hours for family and friends of inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at HMP Whatton in Nottingham by calling 01949 803200, 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 HMP Whatton directly on 01949 803200 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If HMP Whatton is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Nottingham accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at HMP Whatton, call 01949 803200 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 HMP Whatton. 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.
If you have a concern about your care at HMP Whatton, 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 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 HMP Whatton 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 HMP Whatton about orthodontic referrals and private options.
HMP Whatton 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.
HMP Whatton in Nottingham typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact HMP Whatton on 01949 803200 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.
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 HMP Whatton on 01949 803200 to ask about emergency availability for non-registered patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, call NHS 111 for help finding one near Nottingham.
HMP Whatton 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 HMP Whatton for a written treatment plan with costs before starting any private work so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, HMP Whatton 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.
NHS dental charges at HMP Whatton 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, HMP Whatton may offer payment plans or finance options — ask the practice for details.
HMP Whatton in Nottingham 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 HMP Whatton 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 HMP Whatton promptly.