Peterborough patients encouraged to contact their regular dentist if they need help during lockdown
Patients in Peterborough have been advised to contact their regular dentist if they need help or advice during the lockdown period.
Rachel Webb, director of primary care and public health for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the East of England, urged patients who have any problems to call their practice and speak to a dentist. Dentists are providing online prescriptions and advice to help patients cope with issues, such as toothache. In cases where patients feel that they may need to see an emergency dentist, they will be assessed over the telephone by their regular dentist and encouraged to visit one of the emergency dental hubs that have been set up in the area. The aim is to ensure that patients who do need to see a dentist while practices are closed can continue to do so.
Many dental practices have been closed for more than 3 weeks now, and some patients have reported issues trying to get an urgent appointment. NHS England has been working with local trusts and dental professionals to set up urgent centres across the country, which are able to treat dental emergencies. Patients can also contact their local practice if they need advice for minor dental ailments and there is a wealth of information and advice available on the NHS Choices website.
Anyone who isn’t registered with a dentist is urged to call NHS 111 if they need urgent assistance.
Dentists are encouraging patients to avoid going to A&E unless they have a genuine emergency, as hospitals come under increased pressure during the Coronavirus outbreak.
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