Dentists
The Balcombe Dental Practice
51 Goodwyn Avenue,London, London NW7 3RJ
Overview
The Balcombe Dental Practice is a dental surgery located in Edgware, North West London, serving the local community and surrounding areas. Based on the name and location in the NW7 postcode area, it operates as a general dental practice providing comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages.
As a typical dental practice, The Balcombe Dental Practice likely offers a range of services including routine check-ups and cleanings, fillings, extractions, and preventative dental care. Many practices in this area also provide cosmetic dentistry options, teeth whitening, and other specialized treatments depending on their specific offerings.
The practice is situated on Goodwyn Avenue in a residential part of Edgware, making it accessible to local patients. Like most UK dental practices, it operates on a combination of NHS and private patient basis, providing dental care to those registered with the surgery. Patients can typically contact the practice directly to make appointments and inquire about specific treatments and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at The Balcombe Dental Practice in London by calling 020 8959 1908, 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice directly on 020 8959 1908 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If The Balcombe Dental Practice is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near London accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at The Balcombe Dental Practice, call 020 8959 1908 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 The Balcombe 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, The Balcombe Dental Practice 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.
Your dentist at The Balcombe 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.
Yes, you can transfer to The Balcombe Dental Practice at any time. Simply contact the practice on 020 8959 1908 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice may incur a new NHS charge.
Yes, The Balcombe Dental Practice 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice on 020 8959 1908 to ask about emergency availability for non-registered patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, call NHS 111 for help finding one near London.
The Balcombe Dental Practice 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.
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 The Balcombe Dental Practice 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice about orthodontic referrals and private options.
The Balcombe Dental Practice in London 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, The Balcombe 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice about private hygiene fees.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at The Balcombe 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 The Balcombe Dental Practice promptly.