GPs do not treat dental problems.
If you have a tooth or gum problem, please see your dentist about this. Dentists have a responsibility to offer emergency appointments, where needed.
GPs do not have the necessary training to assess and treat dental problems.
If your dentist is unable to provide an appointment for you, you can find out how to access an emergency dental appointment is available on the NHS website.
Emergency Dental Services
- GPs are not responsible for treating dental problems.
- GPs should not attempt to manage a condition requiring dental skills unless they have appropriate training.
- Both the civil courts and the GMC require doctors to have appropriate skills for any treatment they offer.
- Patients should be advised to contact local emergency dental services or the emergency department.
- General dental practitioners have an ethical responsibility to provide access to advice and emergency treatment for patients, including those under a private contract.
- General dental practitioners have an ethical responsibility to provide access to emergency treatment outside normal hours.
- NHS commissioning bodies are responsible for out-of-hours dental care.
- Most provide emergency out-of-hours dental treatment, and they may also buy in-hours open access urgent sessions from dental practices.