The NHS currently funds orthodontic treatment for those patients that meet the NHS assessment criteria. All NHS treatment is carried out using high-quality materials and modern techniques either by or under the supervision of, a Specialist Orthodontist. To have an assessment under the NHS your general dentist will need to refer you to us via the REGO system.

At the NHS assessment, there will be some simple forms to fill out asking about medical and dental history. We will then assess the teeth and the nature of any problems – this may include the taking of x-rays and we will be able to inform you if you qualify for treatment under the NHS.

Since April 2006, there has been a new NHS dental contract in place at all orthodontic practices in England. This contract imposes restrictions on the eligibility of patients for orthodontic treatment using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). As the name suggests, this index gives a higher score to patients that need treatment based on their dental health.

Should a patient not qualify on the grounds of IOTN or dental status (untreated caries, poor motivation, or poor oral hygiene) we will write back to your dentist explaining why you have not been accepted for treatment. The risks and benefits of any proposed interventions will be discussed with the patient and their family at the time.

Prior to referring we would ask all patients to maintain a good standard of oral hygiene and have a suitable level of understanding as to what treatment might involve and what we require from them.