Update on dental services in the North East and Yorkshire

The Government announced that as of 8 June, NHS Dental Practices may begin to provide a limited range of face to face treatment, where the necessary infection control and access to PPE equipment are available. 

It is likely that services will reopen gradually, so those with the most urgent needs will be seen first. Urgent Dental Centres will remain in operation to provide treatment in areas where practices have not yet resumed face to face care. 

Advice for the public:

• Dental practices will look different as they will be operating in a way that observes COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene rules, as part of measures taken to ensure the safety patients and the dental team alike.
• Whilst we are observing social distancing, patients should continue to telephone or email their practice, rather than attending in person without an appointment.
• If you have a regular dentist, you should call them as a first step. The dentist will assess your situation over the phone, including giving advice and, if needed, prescriptions for painkillers or antibiotics, or arranging treatment.
• If a patient does not have a regular dentist during the COVID-19 outbreak, they can still call any local dental practice as well as visiting 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111 who will provide advice as appropriate.
• Out of hours for urgent dental issues the advice still remains to visit 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111. Patients should not be visiting A&E departments or GPs with dental problems.