In 2009, NHS Direct helped more than 275,000 dental patients who called NHS Direct’s core 0845 4647 telephone service for advice. Over 90% of callers had a symptomatic problem, whilst the remainder required information about dental services.
All symptomatic dental calls are initially assessed by NHS Direct’s highly trained health advisors. Those who require further assessment then speak to one of our experienced dental nurses who can advise on the most appropriate course of action.
In nearly a quarter of cases, we are able to provide patients with self-care advice, with no need for onward referral to another health professional. Approximately 40% of callers do require a specific local dental service and we either provide details of how to access that service or transfer them to it directly. The remaining callers require further assessment face-to-face and we advise them how urgently they need to arrange this.
Dental calls to NHS Direct’s core 0845 4647 telephone service tend to peak in the morning between 8.00 am and 10.00 am, with demand declining around 6.00 pm in the evening. There is little variation in call volumes between weekdays and weekends.
Here’s what two of our dental patients had to say about our service:
“Many, many thanks for your fantastic help last night finding me an emergency dentist. This was the first time I have contacted you and could not have found nicer people to help me out. Your number is now programmed into my mobile”.
“I contacted NHS Direct today re urgent dental care for my wife who was in pain. I spoke to two members of NHS Direct staff and on both occasions they were most helpful and professional. Their level of care and involvement was truly remarkable. With their help I was able to find a dentist who agreed to see my wife on the same day”.
If you would like more information about how your local population uses NHS Direct to access dental care, please contact your Regional Director.
