NHS Treatment in Craiglockhart at a Glance
| NHS dental services | NHS Lothian |
|---|---|
| NHS orthodontic charges | Free under 26; then 80% of the fee, capped at £384 |
| Deprivation | Less deprived than most of Scotland |
| Nearest practice listing NHS | CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC, Colinton — under a mile; 29 within 10 miles |
| Nearest university dental hospital | Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee — about 39 miles |
| Area type (ONS) | Large Urban Areas |
Sources: Census 2021 (NOMIS), DfE Get Information About Schools, ONS geography, UK NHS dental charge schedules and our orthodontic practice register. Distances are straight-line.
Practices listing NHS orthodontics near Craiglockhart
On our practice register: 114 practices within 5 miles of Craiglockhart, 151 practices within 10 and 243 practices within 20. The closest is CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC in Colinton, 0.3 miles north-east. The nearest listing NHS orthodontics is CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC, 0.3 miles north-east.
| Practice | Distance | NHS | Private | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAIGLOCKHART CLINICColinton | 0.3 miles north-east | ✓ | – | – |
| 302 OXGANGS ROAD NORTHColinton | 1.0 miles south-east | ✓ | – | – |
| HMP EDINBURGHColinton | 1.0 miles north-west | ✓ | – | – |
| 21 BRIDGE ROADColinton | 1.1 miles south-west | ✓ | – | – |
| 31 MORNINGSIDE DRIVEEdinburgh | 1.1 miles east | ✓ | – | – |
| 51 SLATEFORD ROADEdinburgh | 1.1 miles north | ✓ | – | – |
✓ listed in the practice's own information; – not mentioned, which doesn't mean not offered. Straight-line distances.
Nearest places to Craiglockhart with practices listing NHS orthodontics
The closest town with practices listing NHS orthodontics is Colinton, 0.3 miles north-east; the next are Edinburgh (1.1 miles east).
Counted from the practices on our register around this place, nearest first. Straight-line distances.
The NHS route from Craiglockhart, step by step
| Step | Where it is from here |
|---|---|
| 1. Your dentist screens | The nearest general dentist on our register is Cornerstone Smile, 2.2 miles away. They check the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and refer. |
| 2. The NHS orthodontic practice | The nearest practice listing NHS orthodontics is CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC, Colinton, under a mile away. Referrals go to a practice with an NHS contract. |
| 3. The hospital for complex cases | The nearest university dental hospital is Dundee Dental Hospital in Dundee, about 39 miles away. |
| 4. Who commissions it | NHS dental services around Craiglockhart are commissioned by NHS Lothian. |
NHS orthodontics is free for eligible under-18s and is reached by referral. Distances are straight-line.
For families in Craiglockhart, the NHS pathway offers a subsidised route to fixed braces for eligible children. It's free for eligible under-18s and aimed primarily at children and teenagers with significant malocclusion. The main limitation is waiting time, which can be substantial across City of Edinburgh.
NHS Orthodontic Access in Craiglockhart
In Scotland, NHS dental treatment — including clinically necessary orthodontics — is free for everyone under 26. Adults aged 26 and over who qualify pay 80% of the NHS fee, capped at £384 for a course of treatment. How long NHS treatment takes to start in City of Edinburgh depends heavily on the individual practice's current caseload.
Treatment range and appointment slots differ between the practices covering Craiglockhart — comparing a couple is worthwhile. Craiglockhart falls in a less deprived area than most of Scotland. The nearest university dental hospital to Craiglockhart is Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee, about 39 miles away, where hospital orthodontic referrals are seen. NHS dentistry here is commissioned by NHS Lothian. Craiglockhart is classified as large Urban Areas. With 113 orthodontic practices within five miles, Craiglockhart is better served than 96% of towns in Scotland. No orthodontic practice is recorded in Craiglockhart. The closest on record are CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC in Colinton, under a mile away; 31 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE in Edinburgh, about a mile away; and 577 LANARK ROAD in Currie, about 2 miles away. NHS capacity is limited — practices often have closed lists for new NHS patients, which is why private treatment is the realistic route for many adults and for those who cannot wait.
How the NHS Route Works in Craiglockhart
From first check-up to retainers, the NHS process in Craiglockhart runs like this:
- Dental check-up: Your dentist performs an initial IOTN assessment and, if eligible, makes a formal referral.
- Referral to NHS orthodontist: You join the waiting list for the local NHS orthodontic service covering Craiglockhart.
- Specialist assessment: An orthodontist confirms your IOTN score, takes records, and confirms whether NHS treatment proceeds.
- Brace fitting: Metal fixed braces are fitted — typically 60–90 minutes.
- Active treatment: Adjustment appointments every 6–8 weeks for 18–24 months on average.
- Retention: Retainers provided at completion as part of the NHS course of care.
How Long Is the NHS Wait in Craiglockhart?
Many patients in City of Edinburgh wait 18 months or longer between NHS referral and treatment starting. During this period teeth continue to develop and cases can become more complex. Private treatment, while more expensive, begins promptly and offers far greater choice of treatment type.
Children's Orthodontics in Craiglockhart
Spotting a developing problem early rarely means treating it straight away. The aim is to monitor development and intervene at the right time, not to begin treatment immediately. This guide explains the age-7 assessment, interceptive options and NHS access for children.
The Age-7 Assessment
British Orthodontic Society guidance points to age 7 for an assessment where there's a noticeable concern — by then most children have their first permanent molars and incisors through, which is enough for an orthodontist to judge jaw relationships, arch development, bite and likely future crowding.
Orthodontic Eligibility in Craiglockhart
Many patients in Craiglockhart are surprised they don't automatically qualify for NHS braces. Even visibly crooked teeth may score below the threshold, which is why understanding IOTN matters. Knowing where you stand before the referral process saves time and manages expectations in Craiglockhart.
How Eligibility Is Scored
The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is the two-part scoring system orthodontists across City of Edinburgh use to decide whether a patient qualifies for NHS treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions — NHS Treatment in Craiglockhart
Where is the nearest orthodontist to Craiglockhart?
On our register, the nearest orthodontic practice to Craiglockhart is CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC in Colinton, about 0.3 miles to the north-east. The next closest are 302 OXGANGS ROAD NORTH (1.0 miles) and HMP EDINBURGH (1.0 miles).
How many orthodontic practices are near Craiglockhart?
Our register has 114 practices within 5 miles of Craiglockhart, 151 practices within 10 miles and 243 practices within 20 miles.
Is there an NHS orthodontist near Craiglockhart?
The nearest practice to Craiglockhart that lists NHS orthodontic treatment is CRAIGLOCKHART CLINIC in Colinton, about 0.3 miles to the north-east. Others nearby include 302 OXGANGS ROAD NORTH (1.0 miles) and HMP EDINBURGH (1.0 miles).
Who commissions NHS dentistry in Craiglockhart?
NHS dentistry here is commissioned by NHS Lothian.
Is Craiglockhart rural or urban?
ONS classifies Craiglockhart as large Urban Areas.
How deprived is Craiglockhart compared with the rest of Scotland?
By the national deprivation index, Craiglockhart is less deprived than most of Scotland. It doesn't affect NHS orthodontic eligibility, which is decided on clinical need alone.
What towns are near Craiglockhart?
Gorgie, Saughtonhall, Oxgangs are within easy reach of Craiglockhart.
Can I switch from the NHS waiting list to private?
Yes, at any point — even while still on the NHS list. Plenty of patients do this to skip the wait or get access to ceramic or aligner options; you don't have to formally withdraw first, though it's polite to let the practice know.
Last updated: October 2026, compiled by the Virtual Consultant Online editorial team from our practice register and public data. Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice; it is not reviewed by a clinician. Sources: NHS, General Dental Council. How we compile our information.
NHS Treatment Across City of Edinburgh
Explore nhs treatment information for other towns and cities in City of Edinburgh — all with dedicated local pages and online assessment access: