Defence Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental treatment equivalent to the NHS is provided in a modern and newly refurbished dental centre by a professionally qualified and registered team. Our prime objective is to provide a community dental service to ensure all personnel parented by RAF Wittering retain a high standard of dental health to fulfil military duties at home and on operations.
The Dental Centre is open Monday to Thursday 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs. Friday 0800 hrs to 1500 hrs

The Dental Team

In addition to the dentist you may also see the dental hygienist on referral to receive oral care advice, treatment of gum problems, application of materials to your teeth or to have your teeth professionally cleaned. In addition we also have an Oral Health Educator who on referral can advise you on effective oral health techniques to ensure meticulous oral hygiene is achieved. Both of these clinics are run on an appointment system like the dentist. The hygienist visits from RAF Cottesmore two days a week and the Oral Health Education clinics are run on demand/as resources allow.

Treatment of Dependants

Unfortunately the DDS is not established or funded to permit the treatment of families in the UK. Service dependants are encouraged to register with a local civilian dental practitioner.

Periodic Dental Inspections (Check Ups)

All service personnel are required to have a dental inspection periodically according to their dental risk. A letter will be sent to you at your section asking you to make an appointment before the date you become unfit for deployment. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your appointment time to fill in any documentation

Emergency Treatment

Patients in severe, persistent pain will be seen as soon as possible and always within 24 hours. Serving personnel requiring emergency treatment whilst on leave in the UK (excluding Channel Islands) are to report to the nearest DDS Dental Centre. Where this is impractical due to distance or another difficulty, personnel are to seek emergency dental treatment from a civilian dental practice, normally under NHS arrangements. Emergency treatment may be obtained by private practitioners only as a last resort. Refund of fees paid may be claimed on production of a receipt authenticated by a DDS Dental Officer. Charges other than for emergency treatment are the responsibility of the serviceman. The charges of the urgent repair of a removeable denture will be reimbursed on the production of an authenticated receipt.

Posted Overseas

It is essential that all personnel arrive at their overseas units dentally fit. Service personnel must contact the Dental Centre as part of their preparation for posting and complete any treatment necessary. If dependants are to accompany service personnel overseas they should also be dentally fit irrespective of their destination (AP3392, Leaflet 1509). It is imperative that dependants see a dentist before they leave the UK.

Discharge or Retirement from the Services

There is currently no requirement to be dentally fit when leaving the services.
Extensive treatment will not be initiated within the last six months of service.