14 new emergency dental surgeries open across West Country

A network of 14 emergency dental centres have opened across the region for people who need urgent dental treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.

The centres have been commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and are fully staffed and equipped with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

All general practices in the West Country closed last month following safety concerns for staff over a lack of PPE.

The majority of practices were offering a telephone triaging service, but up until now had nowhere to send patients for treatment.

The centres have been commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement Credit: PA images

It comes as some patients in the region have had to travel to Birmingham for urgent treatment because they couldn't get help locally.

Denise Hill, who was 32 weeks pregnant at the time, made the 320 mile round trip from Exeter after failing to get an appointment with her dentist, or any other in the South West.

She was suffering from a severe toothache and the pain was so bad she couldn't sleep.

To get access to these centres people should phone their own dentist.

NHS England say all NHS dental surgeries should be contactable, even while their doors are closed.

Out of usual surgery hours, people should call NHS111.

Those without a dentist or who cannot get through to their usual surgery should call their local helpline:

  • Devon

03330 063300Email accessdentalhelpline@nhs.net

  • Somerset

0300 123 7691Email dentist4u@sompar.nhs.uk

  • Dorset

NHS 111

  • Bath and North East Somerset

NHS 111

  • Cornwall

0333 405 0290Email westcountrydental.care@nhs.net

  • Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire

NHS 111

  • Gloucestershire

NHS 111

  • Swindon and Wiltshire

0900 -1700 Monday - Friday0345 758 1926

Out of hours (Evenings and Weekends)Call NHS 111

All general practices in the West Country closed last month following safety concerns for staff over a lack of PPE. Credit: PA images

Conditions needing immediate treatment might include:

  • Dental infection/fever/swelling, especially if it might affect the airway

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • Injury

Health authorities say the locations have been chosen to cover the South West as best as possible within limitations posed by staffing and equipment.

This means that some patients will need to travel.

They are keeping the precise locations secret because they don't want people turning up without appointments.

However, with the initial service now operational, further centres are likely to be added to reduce journey time.

The centres are in the following places:

  • Gloucester

  • Cheltenham

  • Chippenham

  • Swindon

  • Bath

  • Bristol

  • Weston super Mare

  • Taunton

  • Bridgwater

  • Dorchester

  • Exmouth

  • Plymouth

  • Torquay

  • Bodmin