Who can access our service?
You will need to be referred by your dentist, or if you have a medical condition you may be referred in by your doctor.
What services do you provide?
The Dental Hospital has several specialist departments, including Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Restorative, Paediatrics and Orthodontics. Each specialty sees new patients for assessments which may lead on to treatment within the hospital. The Dental Hospital also runs an Examination and Emergency Department which offers pain relief and temporary treatment after referral from the Dental Helpline – 029 20 444 500.
What if my problem gets better or worse while I am on the waiting list?
If your problem gets better and you no longer need to attend, please ensure you let us know so we may offer the appointment to someone else. If your problem worsens, you must visit your referring practitioner as he / she is responsible for your care and pain relief whilst you await your first appointment with us.
What if my personal details change?
Please let us know, either by telephone (029 2074 2413 / 5337) or by post if your personal details change. Please send details to Dental Records, University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY.
What services don’t you provide?
We do not accept referrals for economic reasons.
We do not accept referrals for implants due to limited funding except in certain situations (see below).
Will I have to pay?
The Dental Hospital is a teaching hospital and does not charge for treatment.
Can I be treated by the students?
Patients are eligible for treatment with students only in the following circumstances:
you are not registered with a dentist
you will need to agree to be treated by supervised trainees
you should be willing to spend 1-2 hours with us on each visit
you should be able to attend the Dental Hospital during normal working hours (ie 9am - 4pm Monday-Friday)
please note - hospital transport (ambulances) or translators are not provided for patients undergoing student treatment.
Do you provide emergency treatment for children?
If you care for a child that needs emergency treatment you can attend the Dental Hospital on Monday – Friday at 8:30am, and also on Fridays at 1:30pm. Patients are seen according to clinical priority.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Severe pain, swelling, trauma and heavy bleeding.
How do I go about getting orthodontic treatment?
A referral from a dentist is needed in order to receive orthodontic treatment.
Do you do implants?
Unfortunately due to limited funding, strict criteria has been set for acceptance. We currently only accept patients who fall into these three groups:
Oncology patients who require implants to rehabilitate them after cancer surgery
patients with developmental disorders such as cleft lip and palate and hypodontia
patients involved in major trauma leading to the loss of multiple teeth, for example after a Road Traffic Accident (RTA).
Do you provide mouth guards for contact sports?
The Dental Hospital has the facilities to make mouth guards for contact sports. Please see the Patient Information tab for prices.
Are there charges for replacement orthodontic appliances?
Yes there will be a charge for the replacement of removable orthodontic appliances and retainers. Please see the Patient Information tab for charges.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know as soon as possible so the appointment may be offered to someone else. If you do not contact us you may be discharged.
How do I find an NHS dentist?
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan - 029 20 444 500
Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf - 01443 744800.
Any areas outside the above should telephone the All Wales NHS Dental Helpline on 0845 60 10 128 or visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices
How long are the waiting times?
It will depend how urgent your treatment is. However, we work within the Welsh Government guidelines.
How do I go about obtaining emergency treatment?
If you think you need emergency dental care but do not have your own dentist you must telephone 029 20 444 500.
Do you arrange ambulance transport?
No, patients can arrange ambulance transport themselves by contacting the Transport Booking Centre on 0800 32 82 332 to arrange ambulance transport. You must give at least 48 hours notice, and have with you all the necessary relevant information such as name, address, hospital number, name of hospital or clinic, and the date and time of the appointment.
Is there an Out of Hours service available?
No, our opening times are Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm. If you require emergency dental treatment outside of these times you must ring 029 20 444 500.
Are you open on weekends?
The Dental Hospital does not open on weekends or bank holidays. If you require emergency treatment during these times, you must ring 029 20 444 500.
Do you do home visits?
The Dental Hospital does not provide home visits. Anyone requiring a home visit must ring 029 2019 0175 for more information.