More than 14,000 extra dental appointments to be offered for Cambridgeshire
Those who need urgent dental care are able to use the programme
Thousands of local people will be able to get access to urgent dental care under a new scheme.
More than 14,000 extra appointments have been created by NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough as part of a national programme where patients struggle to access NHS dentists.
Several local practices including in Cambridge, Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire that deliver NHS dental services are offering additional services such as helping patients with excessive bleeding from gums and severe pain.
“We know access to NHS dentistry is one of the biggest issues for local people," Kate Vaughton, chief partnerships and integration officer with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said.
“If you think you may have an urgent dental care need, please don’t delay and seek help as soon as possible.”
The additional urgent NHS dental care appointments will cost £27.40 for the patient unless they are eligible for free NHS dental treatment or help with the cost of dentistry.
People wo want to access urgent dental appointments are being told to call NHS 111 at first as they can be triaged over the phone and directed to one of the dentists taking part in the programme.
In 2024-25, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough say more than 14,500 extra people received NHS dental treatment compared to previous years.