New to Leith, or Just Ready to Register?
We’re accepting new NHS and private patients right now. Getting started takes a few minutes, and we’ll take care of everything from there.
OVERVIEW
Newkirkgate Dental Care at 2 Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5LA is currently accepting new NHS and private patients. NHS dental examinations are free for all registered patients in Scotland, and all treatment is free for patients under 26. A new private patient examination costs £62 and includes a full assessment, X-rays and oral cancer screening. The practice offers a dental membership plan from £21.50 per month through DPAS and patient finance through Medenta. To register, call 0131 554 3509, book online at newkirkgatedental.co.uk, or complete the contact form.
NHS Registration, What You Need to Know
Registering as an NHS patient with us is straightforward. There’s no lengthy form to fill out and no waiting list to join. Get in touch by phone, online or in person, and one of our receptionists will get you set up.
Once you’re registered, you’re entitled to a free dental examination every 12 months, access to the full range of NHS dental treatments, and same-day emergency appointments when you need them. You pay 80% of the cost of any NHS treatment you need, up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. If you’re in one of the exempt groups below, you pay nothing at all.
NHS dental treatment is completely free in Scotland if you are:
- Under 26 years of age
- Named on a valid maternity exemption certificate
- A new mother who has had a baby in the previous 12 months, or has had a stillborn baby in the previous 12 months
- Named on a valid HC2 certificate
- Receiving Universal Credit (or your partner is)
- Receiving Income-related Employment Support Allowance (or your partner is)
- Receiving Tax Credits and meeting the qualifying conditions
If you’re named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may be eligible for partial help towards the cost of treatment. Ask our receptionist when you get in touch and we’ll talk you through it.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, call us on 0131 554 3509 and we’ll check for you before your first appointment.
New Private Patient Appointments
If you’d prefer to be seen privately, or you’d like to explore our cosmetic and specialist treatments, your first appointment gives us a proper foundation to work from.
A new private patient examination costs £62 and includes:
- A 20-minute appointment with a dentist
- A conversation about your dental history and what you’re looking for
- A full assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite
- X-rays and routine oral cancer screening
- A bespoke treatment plan with honest, clear advice
There’s no obligation to proceed with anything. The appointment is about giving you and your dentist the full picture, so any decisions you make afterwards are properly informed ones.
What to Expect When You Come In
A lot of people feel a little uncertain before a first appointment at a new practice, particularly if it’s been a while since their last visit. Here’s exactly what happens.
When you arrive, our reception team will check you in and make sure your details are up to date. You’ll then be introduced to your dentist, who’ll take a few minutes to hear about your dental history, any concerns you have, and what you’re hoping to get from your care here.
Your dentist will then examine your mouth thoroughly. This covers your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and soft tissues including your lips, tongue, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth. X-rays and an oral cancer screening are included where appropriate.
Once the examination is finished, your dentist will talk you through what they’ve found in plain language. If treatment is recommended, they’ll explain your options clearly and give you a written treatment plan with costs, so you can think it over without any pressure. Nothing happens until you’re ready.
If you need translation support, we can arrange interpreting services. Just let us know when you book.
A Smarter Way to Look After Your Teeth
Our dental membership plan, administered by DPAS, is designed for patients who want the benefits of regular preventive care without worrying about the cost each time.
From £21.50 per month, Level 1 includes:
- Two oral health assessments per year
- Hygiene appointments
- All routine small radiographs
- Routine oral cancer screening at every visit
- 10% discount on standard private treatments
It’s not insurance and it’s not finance. It’s a simple monthly plan that keeps your routine care covered and makes everything else more affordable. Ask at reception for full details on both plan levels and current pricing.
Spreading the Cost of Private Treatment
If you’re considering private treatment and would rather not pay for everything upfront, we offer patient finance through Medenta. You can spread the cost of treatment over a period that suits your budget, with interest-free and low-cost loan options available.
The application is straightforward, payments are made by direct debit, and there’s no penalty for paying early. It’s a practical way to get the treatment you want without waiting until the timing feels perfect.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Appointments
If you can't make it to an appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged for, as that time could have been offered to another patient who needed it.
Your Information
All patient information is handled in line with GDPR and treated with complete confidentiality. Our full privacy policy is available on request and on our website.
Accessibility
Our practice has wheelchair access in both the waiting area and the surgeries. If you have any specific access requirements, let us know when you book and we'll make sure everything is ready for your visit.
Emergency Dental Care
We hold emergency slots back for registered patients every day. If you're a registered patient with an urgent dental problem, call us on 0131 554 3509 as early as possible and we'll do our best to see you the same day. If you need emergency dental care outside our opening hours, call NHS 24 on 111.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Registering With Us
Getting registered is simple. You can book online through our website, call us on 0131 554 3509, or complete the contact form and we'll get back to you. There's no waiting list. Once we have your details, we'll arrange your first appointment and take it from there.
Yes. If you're under 26 years old, all of your NHS dental treatment in Scotland is completely free, including check-ups, fillings, extractions and more. This is one of the benefits of the Scottish Government's dental health policy and it applies to all registered NHS patients at our practice.
You won't be judged and you won't be lectured. We see patients every week who haven't been in a long time, for all sorts of reasons. The first appointment is just about getting the full picture of where your teeth are now and what, if anything, needs attention. We take it from there at your pace.
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages, including young children. We're a Child Smile participant, which is the Scottish Government's programme to improve children's oral health from an early age. NHS dental treatment for children is free, and we have dentists who are particularly experienced at making younger patients feel at ease.
Yes. It's possible to be registered as an NHS patient and still choose to have certain treatments done privately where you'd like a different option, for example a white ceramic crown instead of an NHS metal one. Your dentist will always explain what's available on the NHS and what the private alternatives are, with clear costs, so you can make the choice that's right for you.