Need a dentist in and around Gnosall? You are not alone. NHS dental places can be tricky to find, so it helps to know where to start, what to ask, and what your plan B is if you cannot get an NHS appointment straight away.

Start here: check local NHS dentist details

If you are looking at Brookhouse Dental Practice (often used by people locally), the most reliable place to check contact details, opening times and whether they are accepting new NHS patients is the NHS service page:

• NHS: Brookhouse Dental Practice - service details

Tip - when you call, ask two separate questions: "Are you taking new NHS patients?" and "If not, do you keep a waiting list and how does it work?"

If you cannot find an NHS place

It is worth ringing a few practices within reasonable distance and keeping a simple list of who said what and when. Some practices are private only, some are mixed (NHS and private), and availability changes.

The NHS also has straightforward guidance on how to find a dentist and what to do if you are having trouble accessing NHS dental care:

• NHS: Find a dentist

What to do in an urgent dental situation

If it is urgent (for example severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or you have knocked out/broken a tooth), do not wait it out. Your first call is usually a local dental practice - even if you are not registered, they may offer urgent care or advise where to go next.

If you cannot get help from a dentist, use NHS 111 for urgent advice and out-of-hours support:

• NHS 111 online

If you have serious swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, that is an emergency - call 999 or go to A&E.

Costs, exemptions and a quick checklist before you go

NHS dental charges are banded, and some people are entitled to free NHS dental treatment (for example due to certain benefits, pregnancy, or age). Check before you book so there are no surprises:

• NHS: Dental costs

Before your appointment, it helps to have: your NHS number (if you know it), a list of any medicines, and a clear description of symptoms (when they started and what makes them better or worse). If you are claiming free treatment, bring any evidence you might need.