Can I get dental sedation on the NHS in Sussex?
How NHS sedation for anxious patients works, who usually qualifies, and what to do if you're waiting.
Usually by referral
Most high-street NHS dentists don't provide sedation themselves. If your anxiety stops you having treatment, your dentist can refer you to a service that does, often a community dental service or a hospital department. Whether you qualify, and how long you'll wait, depends on your needs and where you live.
What to do
Ask your dentist directly whether a sedation referral is possible and what the waiting time is. If you don't have a dentist, NHS 111 can tell you about urgent dental care in your area.
If you'd rather not wait, private sedation is available at several practices in our listings. Most charge by the hour, so ask for a written estimate covering both the treatment and the sedation.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every patient is different: talk to your dentist about what's right for you. Looking for a practice? See Sussex practices offering sedation.