By Isle of Wight Observer
Two new NHS dental practices have opened on the Isle of Wight, delivering an additional 42,000 urgent dental appointments for residents.
Dental provider Dentistry For You is working with the NHS to offer 21,000 routine urgent appointments, as part of a national programme to support patients needing emergency treatment. This follows the recent opening of Damira, in Ryde, which has also been contracted to provide 21,000 urgent appointments.
James Roach, director of primary care and local care, said: “We have worked to increase the availability of routine urgent dental appointments for residents on the Island. We are expanding access points for patients and will soon be launching urgent dental hubs across various locations. Access to routine NHS dental appointments is improving, and this significant increase in urgent care will strengthen NHS dentistry locally.”
Dr Murtaza Kanani, clinical director at Dentistry For You, added: “We are pleased to support the delivery of routine and urgent dental care across the Island. Using 111 on-line is the best first step for anyone unsure if they need urgent treatment.”
Urgent appointments are intended for patients in significant pain or requiring immediate treatment, including severe toothache, dental abscesses, broken or knocked‑out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding following a procedure, swelling indicating infection, or fractured and loose fillings causing pain. Other treatments may be offered at the dentist’s discretion and may require further visits or costs.
Patients should use 111 on-line, or call 111 to check symptoms and be directed to the right care.