Dentists
Spicer Road Dental Practice
2 Spicer Road,Exeter, Exeter EX1 1SX
Overview
Spicer Road Dental Practice is a dental clinic located in Exeter, Devon, serving the local community and surrounding areas. Based on its city centre location on Spicer Road, the practice provides comprehensive dental care services to patients of all ages. The practice typically offers general dentistry treatments including routine check-ups, teeth cleaning, fillings, and preventative care advice to help patients maintain good oral health.
The practice is likely staffed by experienced dentists and dental professionals who focus on delivering quality care in a welcoming environment. As with most UK dental practices, Spicer Road Dental Practice probably accepts both NHS and private patients, offering flexible treatment options to suit different needs and budgets. The practice may also provide additional services such as cosmetic dentistry or emergency dental care.
Patients in Exeter can contact the practice directly for appointment bookings and to discuss their specific dental needs. The practice's location in the city makes it accessible to local residents seeking convenient dental treatment within Exeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Spicer Road Dental Practice in Exeter by calling 01392 272408, 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 Spicer Road Dental Practice directly on 01392 272408 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Spicer Road Dental Practice is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Exeter accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Spicer Road Dental Practice, call 01392 272408 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 Spicer Road 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.
Yes, Spicer Road Dental Practice has dental hygienists who provide professional cleaning (scale and polish), stain removal, advice on brushing and flossing techniques, treatment for gum disease, and fluoride treatments. On the NHS, a scale and polish is included in a Band 1 check-up if your dentist deems it clinically necessary. Some patients choose to book additional private hygienist appointments for more thorough cleaning — ask Spicer Road Dental Practice about private hygiene fees.
During a routine check-up at Spicer Road Dental Practice, 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.
Spicer Road Dental Practice aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact the practice on 01392 272408 to confirm wheelchair access, ground-floor surgery availability, accessible parking, and any other adjustments you may need. Under the Equality Act 2010, dental practices are required to make reasonable adjustments for patients with disabilities. If you have mobility, sensory, or communication needs, let the practice know in advance so they can prepare for your visit.
Yes, Spicer Road 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, you can transfer to Spicer Road Dental Practice at any time. Simply contact the practice on 01392 272408 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 Spicer Road Dental Practice may incur a new NHS charge.
Your dentist at Spicer Road 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.
Spicer Road Dental Practice 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.
If you have a concern about your care at Spicer Road 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Spicer Road 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 Spicer Road Dental Practice about private whitening options and pricing.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Spicer Road 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 Spicer Road Dental Practice promptly.