In line with national guidance issued in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, dental practices in Derbyshire are currently closed for routine "face to face" dental appointments.
People seeking help with dental problems should not visit local dental practices but instead phone, between the hours of 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday, for information or advice on alternative arrangements in place. During evenings after 5.00pm, weekends and bank holidays patients should contact NHS 111.
All practices are offering telephone or video-link consultations and can prescribe pain killers and antibiotics if needed. They will also be able to onward refer those patients in need of urgent treatment to a service where they can be seen. People seeking help should not visit A&E departments or GP surgeries for dental care.
There are currently 5 operational urgent dental centres (UDCs) in Chesterfield, Swadlincote, Derby City, Buxton and Matlock for patients who are showing no Covid-19 symptoms. These sites are open between the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, with a view to extend some to offer seven days services.
For safety, a separate site is operational seven days per week in Derby and is designated for patients who are possible or confirmed Covid-19 patients, including patients with symptoms, or those living in their household.
There is also a further specialist site in Chesterfield which will treat only vulnerable or shielded patients.
No patient walk in services are permitted in order reduce the risk to the dental profession.
It is very important for their own safety that patients are clear about whether they have a temperature, are symptomatic, self isolating or in a vulnerable or shielded group.
Activity going to these UDCs will continue to be monitored, and should further centres be required due to patient need, this will be addressed by NHS England and NHS Improvement.