Health authorities in mid and south Essex are issuing a clear directive to the public: if you require urgent dental treatment, you should contact NHS 111 rather than heading to a hospital emergency department. This call comes as local health services, including hospitals, continue to face significant pressure.
Direct Booking Through NHS 111 Eases Access
The plea coincides with the national rollout of 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments, a significant number of which are now available locally. Residents across the region can access these slots by calling the NHS 111 service. A dedicated local system means NHS 111 call handlers can now book appointments directly into dental practice schedules, eliminating the need for patients to phone around multiple surgeries themselves.
"We know how important it is to local people to access urgent dental care when they need it most," said William Guy, Director of Primary Care at NHS Mid and South Essex. "We’ve made it even easier for people to get urgent dental care - by calling NHS111 and explaining your symptoms, they will be able to book you directly into a local dental practice."
What Counts as an Urgent Dental Condition?
The service is designed for genuine dental emergencies that require prompt attention. Eligible conditions include:
- Severe, persistent toothache not relieved by standard painkillers.
- Dental abscesses or significant swelling in the mouth or face.
- Broken, knocked-out, or severely damaged teeth.
- Severe or uncontrollable bleeding from the gums or mouth.
- Loose or lost fillings causing acute pain.
It is crucial to note that if bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure, immediate emergency care may still be necessary.
Relieving Pressure on Hospital Services
A key driver behind the campaign is the ongoing high demand on hospital emergency departments. "Our local hospitals remain very busy, so it’s important that residents that need urgent dental care use the NHS111 service," emphasised Mr. Guy. Using the 111 pathway ensures patients receive the right care in the right setting, freeing up A&E for life-threatening emergencies.
Patients can access these urgent appointments at participating dental practices across the region, including areas such as Braintree, Chelmsford, Southend, Basildon, Thurrock, Harlow, and Brentwood.
For full details on eligible conditions and to access the service, residents are advised to visit the NHS Mid and South Essex website. The health body reminds the public that other treatments may be available at the dentist's discretion, which could involve additional visits and costs.
