Dental treatment helpline set up

3:16pm Wednesday 25th April 2007

A helpline has been set up for people needing emergency dental treatment during the day.

East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT) has commissioned the East Sussex Choose and Book team to provide the new daytime NHS service from next week.

It will be available for people in Telscombe, Peacehaven, Newhaven, Lewes, Uckfield, Heathfield, Crowborough and the surrounding areas who don't have a dentist but need treatment urgently.

When they call the helpline they will be able to speak to an adviser and get details of the nearest dentist with available emergency dental appointments.

The caller will be asked to call the dentist and the adviser will also contact the practice with the patient's details.

Normal NHS dental charges will apply unless proof of exemption is supplied.

PCT head of primary care John Vesely said: "This new helpline will make it easier for people to get emergency NHS dental treatment in the daytime.

"It will save people who don't have a regular dentist from having to ring round in the event of an emergency."

The service will start on May 1 and the number is 08444 772545.

Lines are open between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.