Dentists
Wessex House Dental Practice
Wessex House Dental Practice, Wessex House,Westbury,Sherborne, Sherborne DT9 3EH
Overview
Wessex House Dental Practice is a dental care provider located in Sherborne, Dorset. Situated in the market town of Sherborne, the practice serves patients across the local area and surrounding communities. The practice is part of the established dental healthcare infrastructure in this historic Dorset town, which has been home to various professional services for many decades.
The practice offers comprehensive dental services typical of a general dental practice, including routine check-ups, cleanings, and preventative care for patients of all ages. They provide treatments such as fillings, extractions, and other general dentistry procedures. The practice likely maintains NHS and private patient options to serve the diverse needs of the local population.
As a dental practice in Sherborne, Wessex House Dental Practice contributes to local healthcare provision in an area known for its good range of professional services. Patients in the DT9 postcode area can access these dental facilities conveniently within their community. Those seeking dental treatment are encouraged to contact the practice directly for appointment availability and specific service details.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Wessex House Dental Practice in Sherborne by calling 01935 817950, 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 Wessex House Dental Practice directly on 01935 817950 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Wessex House Dental Practice is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Sherborne accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Wessex House Dental Practice, call 01935 817950 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 Wessex House 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.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Wessex House 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 Wessex House Dental Practice about private whitening options and pricing.
If you have a concern about your care at Wessex House 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.
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). Wessex House Dental Practice 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 Wessex House Dental Practice about implant options and costs.
Wessex House Dental Practice aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact the practice on 01935 817950 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.
Your dentist at Wessex House 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.
During a routine check-up at Wessex House 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.
Wessex House Dental Practice 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 Wessex House Dental Practice for a written treatment plan with costs before starting any private work so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, Wessex House 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.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Wessex House 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 Wessex House Dental Practice promptly.
Yes, Wessex House 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 Wessex House Dental Practice about private hygiene fees.