New urgent care dental service launches in the North West
Patients based in the Greater Manchester area will have access to an updated urgent dental care service following the introduction of a new helpline.
Previously, those in need of urgent dental care were encouraged to make use of drop-in services or find an out of hours’ emergency centre, but the system has now been replaced with an appointment-only scheme. Instead of visiting primary care facilities like Moorgate Primary Care Centre in Bury, patients are being urged to call a new Urgent Dental Care Service line on 0333 332 3800. Having got through to an operator, the patient will then be assessed by a member of the clinical team before being advised to make an appointment if necessary. Appointments will be available at 20 different locations across Greater Manchester.
The line is open from 8am until 10pm every day, including bank holidays, and patients will have a choice when it comes to selecting a location for their appointment.
When the new service launched at the beginning of October, health experts were keen to stress that the helpline is geared towards those who need urgent advice and treatment. Patients who have issues during normal operating hours are encouraged to contact their normal practice and arrange an appointment directly with the reception team.
NHS guidelines list infections, broken teeth and severe dental pain as emergency issues. The cost of an urgent appointment will be the same as a band 1 NHS service, which is currently £22.70.
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