Suffolk residents warned over fake NHS dental services

Residents are being warned not to be taken in by social media posts or websites about fake NHS dental services.

The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (SNEE ICB) said the posts and websites claim non-existent dental practices are accepting new NHS patients and urging people to register with them.

People are then asked to provide their card details and pay up front, only to be scammed out of their money.

Professor Nick Barker, clinical lead for dentistry at the SNEE ICB, said: “This is a totally wicked scam targeting vulnerable people. It’s a complete abuse of their trust.

“Please remember that no one needs to register with a dental surgery in the same way they do with a GP practice.

“You should never pay a so-called ‘registration fee’ or for any treatment up front unless you have already been assessed by the dentist and had any costs explained to you in person.”

To find an NHS dentist in your area, search for ‘Find a dentist’ online, which is the official NHS site, and go to the top result.

You can also visit any high street dentist and ask if they are taking NHS patients.