Dentists
Thames Dental Care
6 Cholmley Terrace,Portsmouth Road,Thames Ditton, Thames Ditton KT7 0XX
Overview
Thames Dental Care is a dental practice located in Thames Ditton, a picturesque village in Surrey positioned along the River Thames. The practice serves the local community and surrounding areas with comprehensive dental care services. Based on its location on Cholmley Terrace, the practice is conveniently situated for residents and those working in the Thames Ditton area.
The practice provides a full range of general and cosmetic dental services to patients of all ages. These typically include routine check-ups and cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, and dental hygiene advice. Many dental practices in this area also offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and dental implants for patients seeking to enhance their smile.
Thames Dental Care is committed to providing quality oral healthcare in a professional and comfortable environment. The practice maintains modern facilities and adheres to NHS and private dentistry standards. Patients can contact the practice directly for appointments, enquiries about treatment options, and to discuss their dental health needs with experienced dental professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Thames Dental Care in Thames Ditton by calling 020 8398 9466, 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 Thames Dental Care directly on 020 8398 9466 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Thames Dental Care is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Thames Ditton accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Thames Dental Care, call 020 8398 9466 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 Thames 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.
Yes, Thames 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.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Thames Dental Care 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 Thames Dental Care promptly.
Thames Dental Care 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.
During a routine check-up at Thames 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.
Yes, you can transfer to Thames Dental Care at any time. Simply contact the practice on 020 8398 9466 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 Thames Dental Care may incur a new NHS charge.
Your dentist at Thames 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Thames Dental Care 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 Thames Dental Care about private whitening options and pricing.
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 Thames Dental Care on 020 8398 9466 to ask about emergency availability for non-registered patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, call NHS 111 for help finding one near Thames Ditton.
Thames 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 Thames Dental Care for a written treatment plan with costs before starting any private work so you know exactly what to expect.
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 Thames Dental Care 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 Thames Dental Care about orthodontic referrals and private options.