How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

Advice and Information - 25 June 2020

Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with social distancing rules making it difficult to access services. Here’s some information on how to access an NHS dentist during the pandemic.

From 8 June 2020, dentists have been given the green light to reopen as long as they have social distancing measures and the right personal protective equipment in place.

As a result, not all services or practices will be available from this date and there will be fewer appointments available.

The NHS has produced a helpful information poster on dental services during covid:

What can your NHS dentist do for you?

How do I find a dentist?

To get the help you need you can:

Phone your local dentist to get information about their opening hours and advice on where you can go to get the care you need
If you don’t have a dentist or your dentist is closed, you can contact the 8am-8pm service or any local dental practice. You can also phone NHS 111. Translation services are available.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing visit https://interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111

Healthwatch Milton Keynes has been informed by the NHS England NHS Improvement (East of England) Head of Commissioning for Dentistry that during COVID-19 the 8-8 service in Milton Keynes should be accepting NHS patients for dental treatment other than routine check-ups. However, we are aware that some people are facing difficulties, so if you’re struggling to find an NHS dentist which is taking on new patients, please contact us .

Do not visit a dentist without an appointment.

Practices will need to prioritise their patients based upon their needs. The British Dental Association advises:

If you call to make an appointment, you will be asked some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again at your appointment
You will probably be asked to use hand sanitiser or to wash your hands when you arrive (and again before you leave)
Social distancing measures will be in place in the waiting rooms
Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

I need urgent dental assistance – what can I do?

For urgent advice on any oral health issue you can call:

NHS 111 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Call the dental helpline at 01788 539780 (local rate call in the UK) for free and impartial advice between 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.