NHS dentistry in England operates on fixed banded charges, currently £27.40 for a Band 1 examination, £75.30 for a Band 2 course including fillings or extractions, and £326.70 for a Band 3 course covering crowns, dentures, or bridges (2025–26 rates). Private fees in Solihull typically run higher than the national median: a private check-up commonly costs £55–£95, composite fillings £150–£280, single implants £2,200–£3,500, and Invisalign £2,800–£4,500 depending on case complexity. All dental medicines and devices used are regulated by the MHRA. NHS access remains constrained, so confirm list availability before booking.

§02Emergencies & out-of-hours care

For severe pain, trauma, or facial swelling outside normal hours, Solihull patients should call NHS 111, which triages to the Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country urgent dental service and can book a same-day or next-day appointment at a commissioned access point. Solihull Hospital on Lode Lane provides a minor injuries unit but does not run a dental A&E; significant facial trauma, airway-compromising swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding should go to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham maxillofacial team. Call 999 only for life-threatening symptoms such as breathing difficulty or post-extraction haemorrhage that will not stop with pressure.

§03Frequently asked questions

Can I register with an NHS dentist in Solihull?

NHS dental registration in the English sense no longer exists — patients are accepted course-by-course. Several Solihull practices, particularly in Shirley and Chelmsley Wood, hold NHS contracts but most have closed adult lists or restrict NHS care to existing patients and children. The NHS Find a Dentist tool lists current availability across B90, B91, B92, and B93 postcodes. Expect waits of several months for a routine NHS slot; urgent NHS care is routed through 111.

Why are Solihull's private dental fees higher than nearby Birmingham?

Solihull's town-centre and village practices serve a wealthier catchment with higher property costs and a strong cosmetic-dentistry demand from professional commuters. This supports premium pricing, particularly in Knowle, Dorridge, and around Mell Square. Birmingham's broader market, by contrast, includes large volumes of student-targeted and lower-cost mixed practices that pull the average down. Specialist work referred into Solihull from the wider region also commands consultant-level fees that exceed general-practice rates anywhere in the West Midlands.

Which Solihull clinics handle dental implants?

Implant provision is widespread among private and mixed practices in the borough, with dedicated implant suites at clinics such as Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic and Ascent Dental Care. Complex cases involving bone grafting, sinus lifts, or full-arch rehabilitation are often referred to the Central England Specialist Referral Centre or to maxillofacial consultants at Birmingham teaching hospitals. Confirm whether your dentist places and restores in-house or works on a referral model, and ask whether the implant system used carries a recognised UK warranty.

Is orthodontic treatment available on the NHS for adults in Solihull?

NHS orthodontics is restricted to under-18s meeting strict clinical need thresholds (IOTN 3.6 or higher), assessed by a specialist orthodontist. Adults requiring orthodontic care in Solihull must pay privately. Options include fixed braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and lingual systems, available at general practices offering short-term cosmetic alignment and at consultant-led centres like Orthodontics For You (Solihull) Limited for comprehensive treatment. Prices vary significantly with case complexity and aligner brand.

§04Safety note

This directory is informational only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult a licensed dental clinic for individual clinical decisions.