Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting new patients at your Ipswich practice?
NHS Patients: We accept new NHS patients subject to availability. For up-to-date information:
- Visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/services/dentist/allen-house-dental-ipswich
- Call us directly at 01473 251955
Private Patients: We have immediate availability with no waiting lists.
Many families across Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Woodbridge have trusted us with their dental care for generations. Call 01473 251955 to register or book your first appointment.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes. We reserve emergency appointment slots daily for urgent dental problems.
How to book:
- Call us before 11am at 01473 251955
- Explain your dental emergency
- We’ll do our best to see you the same day
Available for both registered patients and new patients in Ipswich.
How much does NHS dental treatment cost?
NHS dental charges are set by the UK government and fall into three bands:
- Band 1: £26.80 – Examination, diagnosis, and preventive care (includes x-rays, scale and polish)
- Band 2: £73.50 – Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, and tooth extractions
- Band 3: £326.70 – Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, and bridges
More information: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/
I receive Universal Credit - do I get free NHS dental treatment?
Possibly, but it depends on your individual circumstances.
Universal Credit can be a qualifying benefit, but eligibility is recalculated each month based on your earnings. Unfortunately, our staff cannot verify whether you qualify for free NHS treatment.
What you must do:
- Check your eligibility before your appointment
- Fill out your FP17PR claim form accurately when you attend
- Tick the correct box for the correct benefit
Important: If you make an incorrect claim, the NHS BSA will apply a £100 fine plus the cost of NHS treatment received. When in doubt, pay the standard NHS charges and apply for a refund using form HC5.
Can I have private treatment and still keep my NHS registration?
Yes, absolutely! You can receive private treatment while maintaining your NHS registration.
We always discuss both NHS and private treatment options so you can make an informed decision. If a treatment you want isn’t available on the NHS, we’ll offer you the private option. This will not affect your NHS registration status.
Will I see a dentist or a dental therapist at my NHS appointment?
Dental therapists are similar to practice nurses at your GP surgery. They can provide:
- Dental examinations and check-ups
- Fillings
- Scale and polish
- Deep cleanings
- Preventive care
They may refer you to a dentist if you require more extensive treatment.
About our dental therapists: Our dental therapists are qualified dentists from abroad who are awaiting their UK equivalency exams. Due to the shortage of NHS dentists in the UK (over 1,000 dentists left the NHS in 2022/2023), and UK legislation preventing overseas dentists from working to full capacity until they complete equivalency exams, we’re finding every solution to continue providing NHS care to our patients in Ipswich.
Do I need to pay a deposit for private treatment appointments?
Yes, deposits are required for private appointments:
Private treatment appointments: 50% deposit payable upon booking
Private hygiene appointments: £50 deposit payable upon booking
Missed appointments or short-notice cancellations (less than 48 hours):
- Minimum £50 charge per 30 minutes
- Or loss of deposit
Do you offer practice membership plans?
Yes! We offer two affordable membership plans that help you maintain excellent oral health while spreading the cost of routine dental care.
Plan A* – £16.85 per month
-
2 dental examinations per year
-
10% discount on private treatment fees
-
Access to the Practice Plan Worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme – for help with emergency appointments out of normal surgery hours or while you are abroad
This plan is ideal if you would like regular check-ups and discounted private treatment.
Plan B* – £25.15 per month
-
2 dental examinations per year
-
2 standard hygiene appointments per year
-
10% discount on private treatment fees
-
Access to the Practice Plan Worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme – for help with emergency appointments out of normal surgery hours or while you are abroad
This plan suits patients who would like regular examinations and hygiene visits to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Plan C* – £14.75 per month
-
2 standard hygiene appointments per year
-
Access to the Practice Plan Worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme – for help with emergency appointments out of normal surgery hours or while you are abroad
This plan is particularly suitable for NHS patients who would like to enhance their care with additional private hygiene visits.
For further details or to join one of our plans, please speak to our reception team or call 01473 251955.
*You will need to be paying into the Practice Plan of your choice for six months before the emergency assistance scheme becomes active.
Where are you located in Ipswich? Is there parking available?
We’re located in the heart of Ipswich town centre, easily accessible from across Ipswich, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, and Suffolk.
Our Address: Allen House Dental 51 Berners Street Ipswich IP1 3LN
Parking: We don’t have on-site parking, but several options are available:
Street Parking: Free parking on Berners Street (free for 1 hour, subject to availability)
Nearby Pay & Display Car Parks:
- St Matthews Street Car Park
- Crown Car Park
- Wolsey Car Park
- Spiral Car Park
Please check individual car park websites for current charges and availability.
Do you have a hearing loop?
Yes, we have a hearing loop installed at our reception desk. It can also be transferred to the treatment rooms if required.
Please let our reception team know when booking if you need to use the hearing loop.
Do you accept NHS patients?
To check current NHS availability:
We also offer private treatment options for those who prefer private care or need treatments not available through the NHS.
Do you offer emergency appointments for patients not registered with your practice?
Yes. We can see unregistered patients on a private emergency basis.
Non-registered emergency appointments:
- Assessment fee: £100 (payable upon booking as a non-refundable deposit)
- Further treatment may incur additional private costs depending on your needs
Call 01473 251955 to book
Do I pay for NHS treatment or is it free?
Some patients are entitled to free NHS dental care based on qualifying exemptions.
You get free NHS dental treatment if you:
- Are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Receive certain qualifying benefits (Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or qualifying Universal Credit)
Important: Allen House Dental Ipswich cannot verify benefit eligibility. It’s your responsibility when signing the FP17PR form to ensure you’re fully exempt and claiming the correct benefit.
Not sure if you qualify? It’s safer to pay the NHS fees and request an HC5 refund form from reception to claim back costs from the NHS.
Warning: If you incorrectly claim free treatment, the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) will apply a £100 penalty plus the cost of treatment received.
More information: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/
I'm a full-time student - do I get free NHS dental treatment?
It depends on your age:
Age 18 or under: Yes, you qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you’re in full-time education (University, College, or School).
Age 19 or over: No, you’ll need to either apply for a qualifying benefit or pay the standard NHS charges.
Note: Apprenticeships are not considered full-time education for NHS exemption purposes.
What happens if I miss an NHS appointment or cancel with less than 48 hours' notice?
We have a fair attendance policy to ensure appointments are available for all patients:
NHS Attendance Policy:
- If you Fail to Attend (FTA) or Short Notice Cancel (SNC) with less than 48 hours’ notice 2 or more appointments, we will no longer provide NHS treatment and you’ll be deregistered from the NHS system
- New NHS patients will be removed immediately following any FTA or SNC in their first year of registration
Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
How much does private dental treatment cost?
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Our 2025 private fees include:
Routine Care:
- Routine examination: £60
- Hygienist appointments: From £75
Restorative Treatments:
- White fillings: £150 – £400
- Crowns and veneers: From £850
- Dental implants: From £2,500 (including crown)
Cosmetic Treatments:
- Professional teeth whitening: £375
For our complete private price list, please contact the practice or visit our fees page.
Is my private deposit transferable or refundable?
More than 48 hours’ notice:
- We’ll automatically transfer your deposit to your new appointment
- If you cancel and don’t rebook, but gave more than 48 hours’ notice, speak to our reception team about a refund
Less than 48 hours’ notice:
- Short-notice cancellations or missed appointments will result in a fee or loss of deposit
Do you offer payment plans or finance options?
Yes! We offer flexible payment options to make dental treatment affordable for everyone in Ipswich.
0% Interest-Free Finance:
- Available through Chrysalis Finance for treatments over £350
- Spread the cost over 12-24 months with no interest
- Subject to terms and conditions and credit approval
- Small admin fee applies
Private Treatment Payment Terms:
- 50% deposit required at time of booking
- Lab-made work (crowns, bridges, dentures) payable in full at preparation appointment
- Flexible payment arrangements available
Practice Membership Plans:
- Spread routine dental care costs from just £21.99/month
- See membership plans above for full details
Call 01473 251955 to discuss payment options that suit your budget. We’re committed to making quality dental care accessible to everyone in Ipswich.
Do you have wheelchair access?
Unfortunately, due to our Grade II listed building, we have three steps at the entrance with no alternative wheelchair access available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you have mobility concerns, please call us at 01473 251955 to discuss how we can best accommodate your needs.
How do I book an appointment?
How do I book an appointment?
Phone: 01473 251955
For general enquiries (not appointment bookings), you can email us at: info.ipswich@allenhousedental.co.uk
In Person: Visit us at 51 Berners Street, Ipswich IP1 3LN
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring:
- Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
- Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Medical history information
- List of current medications
- NHS exemption certificate (if applicable)
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re here to help!
This form collects your name, email and phone number so we can contact you regarding your enquiry about our services. Please check our Privacy Policy for full details on how we protect and manage your submitted data.
Call Us:
01473 251955
(On business hours Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 6:00pm)
Email Us:
Address:
51 Berners St, Ipswich IP1 3LN, United Kingdom
