Dentists
The Dental Touch
9 Cotham Road South,Bristol, Bristol BS6 5TZ
Overview
The Dental Touch is a dental practice located in Cotham, Bristol, serving the local community and surrounding areas. Based on its name and location on Cotham Road South, it operates as a general dental practice providing comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages.
The practice typically offers a range of dental services including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, tooth fillings, extractions, and preventative dental care. Many practices in this area also provide cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening and other aesthetic treatments. The Dental Touch is conveniently situated in the Cotham area, which is a well-established residential neighbourhood in North Bristol with good accessibility.
The practice serves NHS and private patients, making dental care accessible to various segments of the community. Like most dental practices in the UK, The Dental Touch is likely regulated by the General Dental Council and maintains professional standards of dental care. The practice's focus appears to be on delivering quality preventative and restorative dental treatment in a patient-focused environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at The Dental Touch in Bristol by calling 01179 244440, 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 Dental Touch directly on 01179 244440 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If The Dental Touch is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Bristol accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at The Dental Touch, call 01179 244440 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 Dental Touch. 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.
NHS dental charges at The Dental Touch 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, The Dental Touch may offer payment plans or finance options — ask the practice for details.
The Dental Touch in Bristol typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact The Dental Touch on 01179 244440 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.
The Dental Touch aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact the practice on 01179 244440 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, The Dental Touch 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, The Dental Touch 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 Dental Touch about private hygiene fees.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, The Dental Touch 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 The Dental Touch about private whitening options and pricing.
Yes, The Dental Touch 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.
During a routine check-up at The Dental Touch, 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, every routine dental check-up at The Dental Touch 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 Dental Touch promptly.
The Dental Touch 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.