Access to urgent dental treatment is being expanded under a national programme aimed at helping patients in severe pain or in need of emergency care.
Several dental practices, including newly established urgent dental hubs, are now offering additional appointments for people with pressing dental needs. Patients requiring urgent care are advised to contact NHS 111 online or by phone, where they will be assessed and directed to the most appropriate service.
James Roach, director of primary and local care at NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight, said the expansion is already having an impact. He said closer working with dental providers has significantly increased the number of urgent appointments available, with access now being extended across seven days a week. Urgent dental hubs are also being rolled out to further support local services.
Mr Roach added that access to routine NHS dental appointments is beginning to improve, and that strengthening urgent care provision will help stabilise dental services more broadly.
Urgent dental appointments are intended for patients experiencing severe pain, infection, swelling, broken or knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, or urgent repairs to fillings or crowns. Patients are encouraged to use NHS 111 to check symptoms and ensure they are directed to the right level of care.