Dental Service

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Emergency dental service

The out of hours service is for West Sussex patients and visitors to the area. Please contact your own dentist during normal working hours, or the dental helpline (available 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday) on 0300 123 1663.

Emergency dental treatment can be provided out of hours when a patient’s clinical condition needs prompt attention by a dentist to manage/address dental pain on a temporary basis to allow them to then seek a permanent resolution from a general dentist.

Reasons for treatment:
• Urgent assessment.
• Diagnosis.
• Advice on treatment options.
• Preventative care and advice.
• Surgical treatment, if necessary to relieve pain.
• Taking radiographs.
• The issue of prescriptions.
• Simple extractions.
• Pulpal excision and dressing.

How to access

The emergency dental service is an appointment only service. Patients can telephone the clinics direct to book an appointment or if all appointments are taken, receive advice from a dentist over the telephone.

Patients should telephone to make an appointment as soon as possible after the service opens:

Weekday evenings

Appointment line is live between 5.30pm to 10pm, with appointment slots between 6.30pm to 9pm.

Weekends and bank holidays

Appointment line is live between 8.30am to 1pm, with appointment slots between 9.30am to 12pm.

Unless you are exempt from payment of dental charges, a fee is payable. Payment can be made in cash or by card. Should you be offered an emergency dental appointment, please provide your NHS number if known.

If you require urgent dental treatment outside of normal surgery hours you should contact the emergency dental service by calling: NHS 111

Contact details:

General support

For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP.
NHS website provides online health information and guidance
There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Horsham Minor Injuries Unit and Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.