Efforts to improve access to NHS dental care across the North East and North Cumbria have taken a major step forward, following the approval of a new strategy by regional health leaders.
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has officially launched its Oral Health and Dental Strategy, aimed at tackling some of the region’s most pressing dental care challenges.
The newly approved strategy sets out key goals: improving access to both routine and urgent dental appointments, addressing workforce shortages, and focusing on preventing poor oral health before it begins.
“Improving access to NHS dentistry is a key priority for the ICB,” said Dave Gallagher, Chief Contracting and Procurement Officer at the ICB. “We’ve listened to feedback from patients and partners. We know people are struggling to get dental appointments.”
“This strategy brings together several initiatives we’re working on with partners,” he continued. “It’s focused on protecting and expanding NHS dentistry by supporting our dedicated dental teams and ensuring patients can get the care they need.”
Key measures in the strategy include:
- Over 1,000 new out-of-hours dental appointments available annually
- 109,000 additional urgent dental care slots
- The creation of new Urgent Dental Access Centres
- Expanding the workforce for Dental Clinical Assessment Services to improve NHS 111 response times
The ICB hopes these changes will ease the burden on current services, reduce waiting times, and provide faster support for patients with urgent dental needs.
The plan reflects growing concern from the public and health professionals over limited NHS dental access. By addressing both staffing and service capacity, officials say the strategy marks a significant investment in long-term oral health for the region.
