Dentists
Kingsbridge Dental Centre
Ilbert Road,Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge TQ7 1HQ
Overview
Kingsbridge Dental Centre is a dental practice located on Ilbert Road in Kingsbridge, Devon. As a dental centre in this South Hams market town, it provides comprehensive oral healthcare services to local residents and the surrounding community.
The practice offers a range of general dentistry services including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, and preventative dental care. Like most UK dental practices, it typically provides both NHS and private dental treatments, catering to patients who wish to access care through different funding arrangements.
Kingsbridge Dental Centre serves families and individual patients of all ages in the area. The practice is conveniently located within the town centre, making it accessible to local residents. Patients can contact the practice to book appointments, enquire about available services, and discuss their dental health needs. The practice aims to provide quality oral care while promoting good dental hygiene and long-term dental health for its patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Kingsbridge Dental Centre in Kingsbridge by calling 01548 854216, 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre directly on 01548 854216 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Kingsbridge Dental Centre is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Kingsbridge accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Kingsbridge Dental Centre, call 01548 854216 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre. 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.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre promptly.
During a routine check-up at Kingsbridge Dental Centre, 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, Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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.
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). Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre about implant options and costs.
NHS dental charges at Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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, Kingsbridge Dental Centre may offer payment plans or finance options — ask the practice for details.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre about private whitening options and pricing.
Yes, Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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, Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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.
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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre on 01548 854216 to ask about emergency availability for non-registered patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, call NHS 111 for help finding one near Kingsbridge.
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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre 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 Kingsbridge Dental Centre about orthodontic referrals and private options.