NHS Treatment in Hillside at a Glance
| NHS dental services | NHS Tayside |
|---|---|
| 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 | LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE, Montrose — 1.9 miles; 5 within 10 miles |
| Nearest university dental hospital | Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee — about 27 miles |
| Area type (ONS) | Accessible Rural |
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 Hillside
On our practice register: 3 practices within 5 miles of Hillside, 5 practices within 10 and 18 practices within 20. The closest is LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE in Montrose, 1.9 miles south. The nearest listing NHS orthodontics is LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE, 1.9 miles south.
| Practice | Distance | NHS | Private | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICEMontrose | 1.9 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
| HIGH STREET DENTAL CENTREMontrose | 1.9 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
| 53 JOHN STREETMontrose | 1.9 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
| ESK DENTAL CAREBrechin | 7.2 miles west | ✓ | – | – |
| R AND PM THOMSONBrechin | 7.4 miles west | ✓ | – | – |
| 121 HIGH STREETArbroath | 13.2 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
✓ listed in the practice's own information; – not mentioned, which doesn't mean not offered. Straight-line distances.
Nearest places to Hillside with practices listing NHS orthodontics
The closest town with practices listing NHS orthodontics is Montrose, 1.9 miles south; the next are Brechin (7.2 miles west) and Arbroath (13.2 miles south).
| Place | Practices | Nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose | 3 | 1.9 miles south |
| Brechin | 2 | 7.2 miles west |
| Arbroath | 4 | 13.2 miles south |
| Forfar | 3 | 17.0 miles west |
| Stonehaven | 4 | 18.1 miles north-east |
| Carnoustie | 2 | 19.0 miles south-west |
Counted from the practices on our register around this place, nearest first. Straight-line distances.
The NHS route from Hillside, step by step
| Step | Where it is from here |
|---|---|
| 1. Your dentist screens | The nearest general dentist on our register is Fountain Dental Group, 21.5 miles away. They check the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and refer. |
| 2. The NHS orthodontic practice | The nearest practice listing NHS orthodontics is LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE, Montrose, 1.9 miles 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 27 miles away. |
| 4. Who commissions it | NHS dental services around Hillside are commissioned by NHS Tayside. |
NHS orthodontics is free for eligible under-18s and is reached by referral. Distances are straight-line.
The NHS orthodontic pathway in Hillside focuses limited resources on the greatest clinical need. Eligible under-18s get excellent clinical outcomes at no cost. For those who don't qualify or can't wait, private treatment fills the gap effectively.
NHS Orthodontic Access in Hillside
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. Waiting times for NHS orthodontic treatment in Angus differ considerably between practices and can change over time.
Orthodontic practices in and around Hillside vary in the treatments and appointment types they offer. Hillside falls in a less deprived area than most of Scotland. Complex cases can be referred to a hospital orthodontic department; the nearest university dental hospital to Hillside is Dundee Dental Hospital in Dundee, about 27 miles away. For NHS dental services, Hillside falls under NHS Tayside. ONS classifies Hillside as accessible Rural. With 3 orthodontic practices within five miles, Hillside is better served than 63% of towns in Scotland. We hold no orthodontic practice records in Hillside itself. The nearest we do hold are LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE in Montrose, about 2 miles away; ESK DENTAL CARE in Brechin, about 7 miles away; and 121 HIGH STREET in Arbroath, about 13 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.
Your NHS Journey Step by Step in Hillside
From first check-up to retainers, the NHS process in Hillside 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 Hillside.
- 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 Hillside?
Many patients in Angus 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.
Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Hillside
Orthodontic problems in children are often best identified early. 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 Hillside
Whether you or your child qualifies for NHS treatment in Hillside comes down to a structured assessment. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is the primary tool used across Angus to decide who receives funded treatment. If NHS funding isn't available, private treatment has no eligibility threshold and no waiting list.
Not Eligible? Here's What to Do Next in Hillside
An IOTN score below grade 4 does not mean your teeth don't need attention — it means NHS resources are prioritised for the most clinically significant cases. Private treatment is open to everyone and provides more treatment choices, faster access, and a more personalised experience.
Frequently Asked Questions — NHS Treatment in Hillside
Where is the nearest orthodontist to Hillside?
On our register, the nearest orthodontic practice to Hillside is LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE in Montrose, about 1.9 miles to the south. The next closest are HIGH STREET DENTAL CENTRE (1.9 miles) and 53 JOHN STREET (1.9 miles).
How many orthodontic practices are near Hillside?
Our register has 3 practices within 5 miles of Hillside, 5 practices within 10 miles and 18 practices within 20 miles.
Is there an NHS orthodontist near Hillside?
The nearest practice to Hillside that lists NHS orthodontic treatment is LINKS LODGE DENTAL PRACTICE in Montrose, about 1.9 miles to the south. Others nearby include HIGH STREET DENTAL CENTRE (1.9 miles) and 53 JOHN STREET (1.9 miles).
Which NHS body covers Hillside for dental care?
NHS dental commissioning in Hillside falls under NHS Tayside.
What kind of area is Hillside?
ONS classifies Hillside as accessible Rural.
How deprived is Hillside compared with the rest of Scotland?
By the national deprivation index, Hillside 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 Hillside?
Nearby towns include Usan, Rossie Mills, Dubton.
How long is the NHS orthodontic wait in Hillside?
Typically 12-24 months in Angus, sometimes more depending on the area. Private treatment skips the list entirely, usually starting within weeks.
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 Angus
Explore nhs treatment information for other towns and cities in Angus — all with dedicated local pages and online assessment access: