Extra NHS dental appointments are being made available through newly launched urgent dental hubs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as part of a national programme to improve access to emergency treatment.
Around 34,000 additional urgent dental appointments were commissioned in November to support patients across the region who need to see an NHS dentist for emergency care.
James Roach, director of primary care and local care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said health leaders have worked closely with dental providers to significantly increase capacity for urgent cases.
“We have worked closely with dental providers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to significantly increase the availability of urgent dental appointments, ensuring patients can be directed to an appropriate dentist locally,” he said.
He added that the NHS is aiming to expand access across a seven-day period, with urgent dental hubs currently being launched to help deliver the extra appointments.
Patients who require urgent dental care can access the service via NHS 111, either online or by phone. Conditions classed as urgent include severe toothache, dental abscesses and dental trauma.
