Dental patients in Birmingham will soon have better access to urgent and emergency dental care as part of the government’s initiative to roll out 700,000 extra urgent appointments across England.
The move aims to tackle the ongoing crisis in NHS dentistry and deliver on a key manifesto commitment.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock announced that the new appointments will be available from April, with Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) set to receive 9,005 additional urgent care slots. These appointments are targeted at areas where patients struggle to access NHS dentists, known as “dental deserts,” and are designed to provide urgent treatment for those experiencing pain or requiring emergency repairs.
This initiative is the first step in the government’s broader plan to rebuild NHS dentistry and improve oral health across the country, including the introduction of supervised toothbrushing schemes for young children in deprived areas.
Local NHS leaders are expected to ensure these new appointments are effectively allocated to those most in need, helping to reduce waiting times and alleviate pressure on dental services.
Patients in Birmingham needing urgent dental care can access these appointments through their regular dental practices or by calling NHS 111 if they require out-of-hours assistance.
