The new appointments, around 34,000, are being offered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this winter.
Patients experiencing dental emergencies can access the appointments by using the NHS 111 online service or by calling 111.
Around 34,000 additional appointments have been made available in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. (Image: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight)
James Roach, director of primary care and local care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, we have been set a target to deliver 30,000 additional urgent and emergency appointments for patients who need it, which we have now commissioned.
“We would urge those who believe they need urgent dental care to call 111 or use 111 online to ensure they can access this care.
“For routine NHS dental appointments, access is improving across the area and these additional urgent care appointments will further improve NHS dentistry in Hampshire and Isle of Wight while we continue to look at other ways to increase access.”
These urgent appointments are for patients who are likely to be in pain, including those suffering from infections or needing urgent repairs to a lost filling or crown, and require urgent treatment.
Practices across the region have been commissioned by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight to deliver the extra care.
Anushika Brogan, chief executive and founder of Damira Dental Studios, which operates practices in the area, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting this drive to raise awareness of the urgent dental care appointments now available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“111 online is the best place to start to check if you need an urgent appointment.
“They can then direct you to the right place for your needs, which may be a local practice offering these additional urgent appointments.”
Patients are encouraged to use the 111 online service to check their symptoms and be directed to the most appropriate care.