NHS Dentistry & COVID-19: What's Happening Now?

Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19. Following on from recent discussions with our Local Dental Committee, we are delighted to provide you with an update on accessing NHS dentistry.

Dentists are currently able to open as long as they have social distancing measures and the right personal protective equipment in place.

As a result, many dentists are running at 60% capacity, which means that not all services are available and there will be fewer routine and emergency appointments available.

How do I find a dentist?

To get the help you need you can:

Phone your local dentist to get information about their opening hours and advice on where you can go to get the care that you need.
If you don’t have a dentist or your dentist is closed, visit here for a full list of your local practices.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing visit the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) Service website.

Please do not visit a dentist without an appointment.

The British Dental Association has all of the updated advice and guidance regarding NHS dentistry.

I need urgent dental assistance, what can I do?

For urgent advice on any oral health issue, you can call NHS 111. Limited appointments are available daily, to those people who are not registered at an NHS dentist, and require an emergency dental appointment.

Additionally, you can contact:

Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service

0333 332 3800 (8am-10pm)

Dental helpline

01788 539780 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday)