There is no fixed six-month rule. In England, NICE guidance says your dentist should set your recall interval based on your own risk: anywhere from 3 months to 2 years for adults, and from 3 months to 1 year for under-18s. An NHS check-up in England costs £27.90 (Band 1) from 1 April 2026, and is free for children and some other groups.
Many people still expect a dental check-up every six months, and are surprised, or worried, when their dentist suggests waiting a year or longer. Others are asked to come back sooner than they expected. Both can be perfectly reasonable, and understanding why helps you plan your family's appointments and budget.
If you are booking a routine dental check-up in Lewisham or anywhere else in England, this guide explains how recall intervals are decided, what the appointment should include, how NHS charges apply, how to get seen as a new NHS patient, and what to do if nerves have kept you away.
Why is my dentist not booking me in every six months?
The six-monthly check-up was a habit, not a clinical rule. Since NICE published its guidance on dental recall (CG19), dentists in England are expected to tailor the interval to each patient. People whose teeth and gums are healthy and who have a low risk of problems can safely be seen less often, while people with active decay, gum disease or other risk factors are seen more often.
The limits are clear:
- Adults: between 3 and 24 months.
- Under-18s: between 3 and 12 months, because children's teeth and mouths change quickly.
The NHS gum disease guidance gives a simple safety net: see a dentist if you have not had a check-up in 2 years, or 1 year if you are under 18, even if you have no problems.
What decides how often I should go?
Your dentist will weigh up a range of factors at each check-up. These typically include:
- Whether you have had recent decay or fillings.
- The health of your gums and how much plaque and tartar builds up.
- Your diet, particularly how often you have sugary food and drinks.
- Smoking and alcohol use.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, and medicines that cause a dry mouth.
- Pregnancy, when the NHS advises keeping up regular check-ups.
- How well you are able to clean your teeth day to day.
Your interval can change. If your gums improve, you may be seen less often; if new decay appears, you may be asked back sooner. It is reasonable to ask your dentist why they have chosen your interval.
Recall intervals at a glance
| Situation | Typical interval range | NHS cost in England |
|---|---|---|
| Child or teenager, low risk | Up to 12 months | Free under 18, or under 19 in full-time education |
| Child or teenager, higher risk | As little as 3 months | Free |
| Adult, healthy teeth and gums | Up to 24 months | Band 1: £27.90 |
| Adult with gum disease or recent decay | As little as 3 months | Band 1, or Band 2 (£76.60) if treatment is needed |
| Pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months | As advised by your dentist | Free |
These are the outer limits set by guidance; your dentist will set your actual interval.
What should a check-up include?
A thorough check-up is more than a quick look at your teeth. You can expect your dentist to:
- Update your medical history and ask about any changes in your health or medicines.
- Examine your teeth, gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue and throat.
- Take X-rays if they are clinically needed.
- Ask about diet, smoking and alcohol, and how you clean your teeth.
- Explain any treatment you need, with costs, before it starts.
- Tell you when to come back.
Under the NHS charges, Band 1 covers the examination, diagnosis and advice, X-rays if needed, fluoride treatment, and simple gum care such as scaling if clinically needed. If you then need fillings, root canal treatment or extractions, the course moves to Band 2. You pay one charge per course of treatment, based on the highest band involved.
How do I become a new NHS patient?
Unlike GP surgeries, NHS dental practices in England do not have catchment areas. The NHS says you can contact any NHS dentist to ask for an appointment, and it is worth asking specifically for an NHS appointment because many practices offer both NHS and private care. Some practices keep waiting lists, and filling in a registration form at your first visit does not guarantee you will always get NHS care there in future.
A practical approach:
- Use the NHS Find a dentist service and search by your postcode.
- Phone practices directly, as online availability can be out of date.
- Ask whether there is a waiting list and roughly how long it is.
- If you cannot find NHS care, contact your local integrated care board. In Lewisham and the rest of south-east London, that is NHS South East London.
If you have an urgent problem in the meantime, such as pain or swelling, you do not need to wait for a routine slot: urgent NHS treatment in England has its own charge of £27.90.
What if I am nervous about going back?
Dental anxiety is a common reason people miss check-ups, and a long gap can make the next visit feel even harder. A few steps can help:
- Say so when you book. The practice can allow more time and explain what will happen.
- Ask for a check-up only at first. An examination with no treatment on the day can be a gentle way back in.
- Agree a stop signal. Raising a hand to pause gives you a sense of control.
- Bring someone with you if the practice allows it.
- Ask about further support. If anxiety is severe, your dentist can talk through options, including referral where appropriate.
Remember that the dentist's aim at a first visit after a long break is to understand your mouth, not to judge you for the gap.
A local example
In Lewisham, Inspire Dental Lewisham at 8-12 Lee High Road, SE13 5LQ, provides both NHS and private care and says it accepts new NHS patients where capacity allows. Its check-up page describes a full dental and medical history at the first appointment, an examination of teeth, gums and mouth with X-rays if needed, and advice on when to return. For private patients, the practice lists a new patient private examination at £50 and offers 0% finance through Tabeo, which is a form of credit with terms you should check. The practice is open until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to go two years between check-ups?
For adults with healthy teeth and gums and a low risk of problems, NICE guidance allows an interval of up to 24 months. Your dentist decides whether that applies to you.
Why does my child need to go more often than me?
Children's teeth develop and change quickly, so NICE sets a maximum interval of 12 months for under-18s.
How much does an NHS check-up cost?
In England, a check-up is a Band 1 course of treatment, which costs £27.90 from 1 April 2026. It is free for some groups, including under-18s.
Do I have to live near the practice to be an NHS patient?
No. NHS dental practices in England do not use catchment areas, although individual practices may have waiting lists.
Sources
- NICE: Dental checks, intervals between oral health reviews (CG19)
- NHS Business Services Authority: Current NHS dental charges
- NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges
- NHS: How to find an NHS dentist
- NHS: Gum disease
General information only, not personal medical or financial advice. Always follow the advice of your own dentist, and check current NHS charges and availability before booking.