NHS Treatment in Mellishes Bottom at a Glance
| NHS dental services | NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board |
|---|---|
| NHS orthodontic charges | Free for eligible under-18s; adults pay Band 3 (£332.10) |
| Deprivation | Around the England average |
| Residents under 16 | 18.6% (Census 2021) |
| Aged 10 to 15 locally | 7.8% of 1,609 residents, the main age band for NHS orthodontic treatment |
| Nearest practice listing NHS | VIDA Dentistry, Fareham — 2.6 miles; 9 within 10 miles |
| Nearest secondary schools | Cams Hill School — 2.7 miles The Henry Cort Community College — 3.2 miles |
| Area type (ONS) | Smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city |
| Daily activities limited by health | 18.7% of residents in the surrounding census area (Census 2021) |
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 Mellishes Bottom
On our practice register: 5 practices within 5 miles of Mellishes Bottom, 26 practices within 10 and 71 practices within 20. The closest is Angus Pringle Orthodontics in Fareham, 2.2 miles south. The nearest listing NHS orthodontics is VIDA Dentistry, 2.6 miles south.
| Practice | Distance | NHS | Private | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIDA DentistryFareham | 2.6 miles south | ✓ | ✓ | 4.9 (335 reviews) |
| DAVID GALE - THE SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC REFERRAL CENTREFareham | 2.6 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
| ORTHODONTICA LIMITEDFareham | 2.6 miles south | ✓ | – | – |
| Southsea OrthodonticsWaterlooville | 5.7 miles east | ✓ | ✓ | 4.6 (136 reviews) |
| David Gale - The Specialist Orthodontic Referral CentreLee-on-the-Solent | 6.6 miles south | ✓ | ✓ | 5.0 (36 reviews) |
| Twenty Dental CareGosport | 6.8 miles south | ✓ | ✓ | 4.8 (151 reviews) |
✓ listed in the practice's own information; – not mentioned, which doesn't mean not offered. Straight-line distances.
Nearest places to Mellishes Bottom with practices listing NHS orthodontics
The closest town with practices listing NHS orthodontics is Fareham, 2.6 miles south; the next are Waterlooville (5.7 miles east) and Lee-on-the-Solent (6.6 miles south).
| Place | Practices | Nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Fareham | 3 | 2.6 miles south |
| Waterlooville | 1 | 5.7 miles east |
| Lee-on-the-Solent | 1 | 6.6 miles south |
| Gosport | 1 | 6.8 miles south |
| Southsea | 2 | 7.7 miles south-east |
| Havant | 1 | 8.3 miles east |
Counted from the practices on our register around this place, nearest first. Straight-line distances.
Best-reviewed practices within 20 miles of Mellishes Bottom
Of the practices within 20 miles with at least 10 Google reviews, the highest rated is David Gale - The Specialist Orthodontic Referral Centre in Lee-on-the-Solent (5.0 from 36 reviews), 6.6 miles south.
| Practice | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| David Gale - The Specialist Orthodontic Referral CentreLee-on-the-Solent | 5.0 (36 reviews) | 6.6 miles south |
| VIDA DentistryFareham | 4.9 (335 reviews) | 2.6 miles south |
| Magnolia House Dental PracticeHavant | 4.8 (283 reviews) | 8.3 miles east |
| Twenty Dental CareGosport | 4.8 (151 reviews) | 6.8 miles south |
Ratings are each practice's public Google review average and say nothing about clinical quality. Straight-line distances.
The NHS route from Mellishes Bottom, step by step
| Step | Where it is from here |
|---|---|
| 1. Your dentist screens | The nearest general dentist on our register is Bupa Dental Care, 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 VIDA Dentistry, Fareham, 2.6 miles away. Referrals go to a practice with an NHS contract. |
| 3. Who commissions it | NHS dental services around Mellishes Bottom are commissioned by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. |
NHS orthodontics is free for eligible under-18s and is reached by referral. Distances are straight-line.
For families in Mellishes Bottom, the NHS pathway offers a subsidised route to fixed braces for eligible children. Eligible under-18s get excellent clinical outcomes at no cost. Understanding its limits helps families in Mellishes Bottom plan around realistic waiting times.
How the NHS Route Works in Mellishes Bottom
The NHS pathway in Mellishes Bottom is well-structured — here's what to expect at each stage:
- 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 Mellishes Bottom.
- 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.
NHS Orthodontic Access in Mellishes Bottom
NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s who meet the clinical threshold. Adults who do qualify pay the NHS Band 3 charge, £332.10 in England from April 2026, which covers the whole course. How long NHS treatment takes to start in Hampshire depends heavily on the individual practice's current caseload.
Appointment availability and the range of treatments on offer both vary practice to practice around Mellishes Bottom. Mellishes Bottom's deprivation ranking is neither notably high nor low compared with England as a whole. In the census neighbourhood around Mellishes Bottom, 7.8% of the 1,609 residents are aged 10 to 15, above the 7.1% average across Hampshire, the age band in which most NHS orthodontic treatment begins. Mellishes Bottom — smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city by ONS classification — is covered by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board for NHS dentistry. Census data puts 18.6% of Mellishes Bottom's population at under 16. Secondary-age pupils near Mellishes Bottom attend schools such as Cams Hill School (2.7 miles) and The Henry Cort Community College (3.2 miles). 1 secondary school is within three miles. With 5 orthodontic practices within five miles, Mellishes Bottom is better served than 60% of towns in England. No orthodontic practice is recorded in Mellishes Bottom. The nearest recorded are Angus Pringle Orthodontics in Fareham, about 2 miles away; Southsea Orthodontics in Waterlooville, about 6 miles away; and Coast Dental Health in Portsmouth, about 6 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 Long Is the NHS Wait in Mellishes Bottom?
Many patients in Hampshire 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 Eligibility in Mellishes Bottom
NHS orthodontic treatment is not available to everyone. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is the primary tool used across Hampshire to decide who receives funded treatment. This guide explains how IOTN works, who qualifies, and what private options exist if you don't.
What Is IOTN?
NHS eligibility is decided by the IOTN — a two-part clinical index applied consistently by orthodontists throughout Hampshire.
Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Mellishes Bottom
Spotting a developing problem early rarely means treating it straight away. Not every child who sees an orthodontist needs treatment right away, but early identification allows targeted intervention. A photo assessment is a gentle way to get an early steer before booking anything.
Children's Orthodontics in Mellishes Bottom — Local Context
Practices serving Mellishes Bottom differ in what they offer, from brace type to appointment availability. Mellishes Bottom's under-16 share sits at 18.6%, per the 2021 Census. In the census neighbourhood around Mellishes Bottom, 7.8% of the 1,609 residents are aged 10 to 15, above the 7.1% average across Hampshire, the age band in which most NHS orthodontic treatment begins. Families in Mellishes Bottom are served by secondary schools including Cams Hill School (2.7 miles) and The Henry Cort Community College (3.2 miles). 1 secondary school is within three miles. Mellishes Bottom is classified as smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city. NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board is the NHS body responsible for dental commissioning in Mellishes Bottom. Mellishes Bottom sits close to the England average for deprivation. Mellishes Bottom has 5 orthodontic practices within five miles, more than 60% of towns in England. They typically offer children's assessments and NHS-funded treatment for eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions — NHS Treatment in Mellishes Bottom
Where is the nearest orthodontist to Mellishes Bottom?
On our register, the nearest orthodontic practice to Mellishes Bottom is Angus Pringle Orthodontics in Fareham, about 2.2 miles to the south. The next closest are VIDA Dentistry (2.6 miles) and DAVID GALE - THE SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC REFERRAL CENTRE (2.6 miles).
How many orthodontic practices are near Mellishes Bottom?
Our register has 5 practices within 5 miles of Mellishes Bottom, 26 practices within 10 miles and 71 practices within 20 miles.
Is there an NHS orthodontist near Mellishes Bottom?
The nearest practice to Mellishes Bottom that lists NHS orthodontic treatment is VIDA Dentistry in Fareham, about 2.6 miles to the south. Others nearby include DAVID GALE - THE SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC REFERRAL CENTRE (2.6 miles) and ORTHODONTICA LIMITED (2.6 miles).
Is Mellishes Bottom a family area?
Census data puts 18.6% of Mellishes Bottom's population at under 16.
Which NHS body covers Mellishes Bottom for dental care?
Mellishes Bottom sits within NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board for NHS dental commissioning.
What kind of area is Mellishes Bottom?
By ONS classification, Mellishes Bottom falls under smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city.
How deprived is Mellishes Bottom compared with the rest of England?
By the national deprivation index, Mellishes Bottom is close to the England average for deprivation. It doesn't affect NHS orthodontic eligibility, which is decided on clinical need alone.
How do I get an NHS referral?
Ask your dentist for an orthodontic assessment — if the IOTN score clears the threshold, they refer you to the local NHS orthodontic service. Some practices also take self-referrals directly.
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 Hampshire
Explore nhs treatment information for other towns and cities in Hampshire — all with dedicated local pages and online assessment access: