
Best Dentists in South Shields
From a practice established in 1913 to a modern 14-surgery NHS clinic, here are the best dentists in South Shields for NHS and private treatment.
Finding a good dentist in South Shields — especially one accepting NHS patients — can be a challenge. The town has a mix of long-established practices and modern clinics offering both NHS and private treatment. Here are the best dental practices in South Shields.
St Michael's Dental Practice
St Michael's Dental Practice at 158 Westoe Road has been serving South Shields since 1913, making it one of the longest-running dental practices in the town. Over a century of experience has not made the practice complacent — it offers both NHS and private treatment alongside modern cosmetic services including dental implants, tooth whitening, and adult orthodontics.
The practice is well regarded for its calm, friendly approach and thorough treatment. The Westoe Road location is convenient for anyone living in Westoe, Harton, or the surrounding areas.
Best for: Established in 1913 — over a century of dental care in South Shields, with both NHS and private treatment.
1a Dental Practice
1a Dental Practice at 74 Fowler Street is a nine-surgery practice near the Metro and bus interchange, making it one of the most accessible dental practices in the town centre. The practice offers both NHS and private treatment, with modern facilities and the latest dental technology.
The Fowler Street location is particularly convenient for anyone commuting by Metro or working in the town centre. The practice is spacious and well-equipped, and accepts new patients for both NHS and private treatment.
Best for: Nine-surgery practice near the Metro — convenient town centre location with NHS and private treatment.
mydentist, Dean Road
mydentist on Dean Road at 78 Dean Road is a large, well-established practice with 14 surgeries. As part of the mydentist group, it offers a comprehensive range of NHS and private treatments including teeth straightening, whitening, implants, and facial aesthetics.
The 14-surgery setup means shorter waiting times for appointments compared to smaller practices, and the range of treatments available under one roof is broader than most. Dean Road is easy to reach from the town centre, Westoe, and Tyne Dock.
Best for: 14-surgery practice on Dean Road — one of the largest dental facilities in South Shields with NHS places.
Newcastle Dental Care (South Shields)
Newcastle Dental Care at 2 Belle Vue Crescent in Tyne Dock is an established practice delivering both NHS and private dentistry to families across South Shields. The practice is part of the Newcastle Dental Care group and is well regarded for its general and cosmetic dental services.
The Tyne Dock location serves the western side of South Shields and is convenient for anyone in Tyne Dock, Simonside, or Biddick Hall. The practice accepts both adults and children.
Best for: Established family practice in Tyne Dock — NHS and private dentistry for adults and children.
NHS vs Private: What to Know
Most practices in South Shields offer both NHS and private treatment. NHS dental charges in England are set in three bands:
- Band 1 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish): around £26.80
- Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canal): around £73.50
- Band 3 (crowns, bridges, dentures): around £319.10
Private treatment costs more but typically offers shorter waiting times, longer appointments, and access to cosmetic procedures not available on the NHS. Many patients use a mix of both — NHS for routine care and private for cosmetic work.
Best for: If you are struggling to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, call NHS England on 0300 311 2233 for help finding a practice with availability.
How to Choose
- Best for heritage and experience: St Michael's Dental Practice — over a century of dental care in Westoe
- Best for town centre access: 1a Dental Practice — nine surgeries near the Metro on Fowler Street
- Best for range of treatments: mydentist, Dean Road — 14 surgeries with orthodontics, implants, and cosmetics
- Best for Tyne Dock and west South Shields: Newcastle Dental Care — established family practice
For more local guides, see our articles on moving to South Shields and the best schools in South Shields.
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