THE GDC is reminding dentists to ensure patients are made aware of arrangements for emergency dental care over the festive period.
This information can be communicated via a website or poster in the waiting room or other means, and should include adjusted opening hours and who to contact should patients need emergency care when the practice is closed.
Figures cited by the British Medical Association (BMA) suggest a typical general medical practice can expect to see between 30 and 48 patients with dental problems per year. Anxious patients may delay seeking care for dental issues until they are acutely unwell or may lack awareness as to the availability of urgent services in the local area, or have other difficulties in accessing out-of-hours dental care.
Dentists can help ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate centre for emergency care.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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