What to do if you have a dental problem during COVID-19 pandemic

If you have a dental issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that you know how to access help when you need it

NHS commissioners in the North West team are working with Local Dental Committees and dental practices across the region to consider how we can safely restore dental provisions.

A number of options are being considered to ensure this can be done safely for staff and patients, as this remains our top priority. From the 8 June dental services have started to reopen, but this does depend on availability of equipment, training and staff capacity. Whilst they might be open, services may not be restored to normal for some time.

All high street dental and orthodontic practices can give advice, guidance and prescriptions, which you can collect from your local pharmacy. If you are in pain or need help or advice, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way.

Register for a dentist here or call your local dental helpline:

• Lancashire 0300 1234 010
• South Cumbria 01539 716 822 

This may be because you have severe toothache or a dental infection, or you have noticed other changes inside your mouth such as a white or red patch, a lump or an ulcer that won’t heal.

You will be assessed and given advice over the phone, which may result in a remote consultation with a dentist. To support NHS services, it is important that you do not visit hospitals or doctors’ surgeries with dental problems.