Dental issues

Patients often attend GP practices because they have a dental problem, but it’s important to know that GPs are not able to fully assess and treat dental problems.

Treating patients with dental problems is not a GP responsibility, even if a patient is not registered with a dentist because:

1. GPs are not trained to deal with dental issues, and
2. Dental treatment is not part of the National GP contract

If you have an issue with a toothache or other dental issue you are advised to contact a local dentist or access 111 if their usual dental surgery is closed or they are not registered with a dentist.

There is also an Urgent Dental Care service that patients can access;

Urgent Care Dental Services in and out of hours. Allocation to this service is available through the Lancashire Dental Helpline by calling 0300 1234 010.

https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/services/service-finder-z/dental-services

If you have trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or swelling that is affecting your breathing then please attend your local A&E.