Dentistry Information
Join the conversation: accessing dental treatment in the North East and North Cumbria
People have been telling us about challenges they face getting NHS dentistry. We need your views and feedback to help shape future services, including planning the next phase of the NHS’s dental recovery plan in the region.
So if you are living in the North East and North Cumbria, have recent experiences with using or trying to access dental services, then share your experiences with us here.
Urgent Dental Treatment
If you require urgent dental care you should contact your dental practice first, or NHS 111. If your dentist can’t see you in person, they can provide urgent care advice over the phone.
You may be offered urgent dental care at your usual dentist practice or asked to go to the designated treatment centre.
Self-care advice will be given and pain killers or antibiotics will be prescribed as appropriate.
Outside of normal dental practice hours and at weekends you should contact NHS 111 to access support and advice.
Dental Check Ups
To find out more about dental check ups, including frequency and why they’re important visit the NHS Website.
Finding an NHS Dentist
If you need help finding an NHS dentist near you taking patients, visit the NHS website or NHS Dental Choices.
Myths of NHS Dentistry
As part of a joint project looking at how to improve dental services in the North East, Healthwatch has produced a Myth Busting leaflet, dispelling the most common rumours relating to NHS dentistry.
The leaflet gives the facts about registering at a practice, why you may be offered a private appointment, capacity for routine appointments, and what constitutes emergency care.