Accessing healthcare during COVID-19

Changes made to dental care during COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Dental Officer for England and Public Health England have set out social distancing and infection prevention and control requirements. As a result, NHS General Dental Services have been operating at a significantly reduced capacity. 

Dental services were not permitted to see patients for face-to-face care at the start of the pandemic. This has led to a backlog of unmet needs, delayed and suspended treatments.

Current dental practice

At present, the majority of dental practices are open and able to provide a full range of treatments safely. However, practices are having to prioritise patients with urgent needs and delayed treatments over routine and non-urgent dental care.

Most dental practices are required to have up to one-hour gaps between patients if they're providing treatments, to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. This means that available appointments are in short supply. If you're unable to make your appointment, please let the practice know as soon as possible as they may be able to book another patient who has been waiting for care.

What to do if you need to access dental care

If you're registered with a dental practice

All patients should first call their dental practice for triage and advice if seeking dental care. The practice will then either provide advice over the phone or make an appointment if treatment is necessary. If your issue is not deemed urgent but the practice has capacity, you may be offered a routine appointment. However, this will vary from practice to practice based on their capacity and existing patient need.

If you're not registered with a dental practice

If you do not routinely attend a practice but have an urgent need and are unable to find a local practice that has capacity, you should call NHS 111 to speak to the dental triage service. If the issue is urgent, they'll arrange an appointment at an urgent dental care centre.

If your dental needs are complex

If you require more complex treatments that cannot be provided by your dentist, such as some root canal treatments, unfortunately, these may be further delayed. This is because the specialist services that general dental practitioners would normally refer to are managing a backlog of patients from when they were closed, as well as an increase of new patients whose oral health care was not managed during the pandemic. Therefore, you should seek advice from your dental practice and please be patient with your dental team during this difficult time.

What charges are there for NHS dental care?

The NHS has determined that normal NHS dental charges will apply for face-to-face appointments. There are no NHS dental charges for telephone triage/advice from your usual practice.

Dentists have always maintained the highest, up-to-date infection control protocols. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have instituted additional guidelines, training, and procedures to ensure that when you receive care, it is safe and comfortable for both patients and staff. This will mean a reduction in the number of patients we can see each day due to the enhanced measures we must take to maintain your safety. Dental teams are working hard to take patients out of pain, finish delayed treatments, and to provide the care you and your family needs. If you feel you need to see a dentist please call your practice for advice, we are here to help you." Dr Matthias Schmidt, Partner/Dentist at Surrey Quays Dental Practice, Southwark Local Dental Committee rep.

In summary:

• if you have a dental practice and require urgent dental care, ring your practice and request an appointment
  • if you're seeking a routine appointment this may not be possible, so please be patient
  • patients in pain or at risk of losing teeth will be prioritised
• if you need urgent dental care and do not routinely attend a dental practice, and are having trouble finding one that has appointments, call NHS 111
  • please note you'll be assessed over the phone; only if you're in pain or in need of urgent dental care will you be booked into an urgent care service
• call your practice before attending in person and be sure to let your practice know if you're able to make your appointment
• if you're self-isolating or have symptoms of COVID-19 and your dental need is urgent, please call NHS 111; do not attend a dental practice
• please be patient with your dental team, as they're working to ensure that care is provided in a safe environment and that those with the highest need are prioritised

Page last updated: 21 July 2023