DIY Dentistry: What you need to know
Update - Wednesday 30 November
Following Sara Hurley's claims, our researchers made 64 calls to the 111 hotline and the dentists we were referred to - and were offered just SIX NHS appointments.
Good Morning Britain has learnt that almost half of patients have stopped going to the dentist because it is too expensive - and nearly one in ten have resorted to their own DIY dentistry to fix problems.
A quarter told us they been unable to get an NHS appointment, and we also found areas of the country where it was almost impossible to see an NHS dentist urgently.
Warning: The above video contains images some viewers may find distressing.
Dubbing the drastic measures "unnecessary", Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer with the NHS said: "We've got a fabulous system called NHS 111. One phone call and you will get advice and an appointment within that day."
If you have dental issues, each NHS region has a dental lead/referral system which are contactable in an emergency via NHS 111 or the NHS England contact centre.
If you are having difficulty in obtaining a NHS dental appointment you should contact NHS England on (0300 311 2233)
Alternatively, visit the NHS England website
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