The Penerley Road Dental Practice is delighted to be able to offer NHS dental services to patients of all ages in Catford, Lewisham and South East London.
NHS Dentistry
Our focus
We place a strong focus on preventive care, helping our patients to avoid tooth decay and gum disease – the two main causes that lead to tooth loss and costly dental treatments. We also offer a wide choice of additional services, from hygienist cleaning sessions to advanced cosmetic treatments, including teeth whitening, dental implants and veneers. These are available on a private basis, and we have a range of options in place that make payment easier to manage.
We pride ourselves on our personal approach, which means getting to know every patient individually and providing a level of customer care we’d want to experience ourselves. We also welcome nervous patients, so do let us know if this is your first visit for some time, or if you need help getting through your check-up or treatment – our experienced team will help you get back on the right path to lifelong oral health.
To register with our team of NHS dentists, please call us on 020 8698 1944 or pop into the practice at 8 Penerley Road, London SE6 2LQ.
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What to expect at your NHS check-up:
- a full examination of your mouth, teeth and gums
- questions about your general health and any problems you have had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit
- discussion and advice on your diet, smoking and drinking habits
- questions about your cleaning regime and advice on the most appropriate products and techniques for you
- discussion of any risks, as well as costs, of any treatment you require
- scheduling of your next visit
Remember, NHS dental treatment is generally subsidised rather than free. Check out our fees page for details of NHS treatment prices.
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FAQs
Who is entitled to free dental care?
If one or more of the criteria listed below applies to you when your treatment starts, you will be entitled to free NHS dental care.
You are entitled if you are:
- aged under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
- pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
- staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
- an NHS hospital dental service outpatient – however, you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges
You are also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you’re entitled to, or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you don’t have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- a valid HC2 certificate
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
Please note:
You will not be exempt from paying because you receive Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance, contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit Savings Credit, when paid on their own.
Medical conditions do not exempt patients from payment for dental treatment. You will be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay.
What if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months get free NHS dental treatment. You may have to show proof, such as a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx), a maternity certificate (MATB1) or your baby’s birth certificate.
However, if you gave birth more than 12 months ago, you will not be entitled to free NHS dental treatment. The MatEx only gives exemption from NHS prescriptions.
NHS Fees
If you are not exempt from charges, you should pay one of the following charges for each course of treatment you receive:
Band 1 course of treatment - £22.70
This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.
Band 2 course of treatment - £62.10
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.
Band 3 course of treatment - £269.30
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.
“Such a lovely practice! Really friendly, experienced staff. They take time to explain everything and not in a hurry to rush you out the door. Top quality service!”