Dental care
42 public facilities across South Africa
South Africa has approximately 1 public dentist per 10,000 people — compared to 1 per 2,000 in the private sector. This shortage means long waiting times for non-emergency dental care, but emergency treatment (extractions, abscess drainage, severe pain) is available at most facilities listed below. The National Oral Health Strategy prioritises preventive care for children and emergency treatment for adults. Dental training hospitals attached to universities (Wits, Pretoria, Western Cape, KZN, Sefako Makgatho, Limpopo) often have shorter waiting times because dental students need patients — and treatment is supervised by qualified dentists.
What to expect
Emergency dental: walk in before 07:00 — slots fill fast. Routine care: ask reception to add you to the dental waiting list. Wait times vary from weeks to months.
A dental therapist or dentist examines your teeth, may take X-rays, and recommends treatment. Most emergency visits result in extraction or temporary filling.
Extractions, basic fillings, scaling, and abscess drainage are done on-site. Dentures require multiple visits over months. Complex procedures (root canals, crowns) are generally not available.
Post-extraction check-up after 1 week. Denture patients: fitting, adjustments, and possible rebasing at 3-6 month intervals.
Who is eligible?
All South African residents. Children are prioritised for preventive care. Emergency dental treatment is free for everyone, including foreign nationals. For routine care, you may be asked for an ID and placed on a waiting list.
Read the full guide
Our guide covers everything in detail: step-by-step process, FAQs, and practical tips.
Dental Care at Public Clinics →