Dentists
Urgent dental care
If you’re experiencing an urgent dental issue, help is now easier to access.
As part of a national plan to improve access to urgent NHS dental care, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW) is expanding urgent dental services across the county.
Over 7,000 additional urgent appointments will be available every year to support people in pain or in need of emergency treatment. Find out more.
Urgent dental care is for issues that cannot wait, such as:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face
- Bleeding following dental treatment
- Accidents involving teeth or gums
If you're unsure whether your condition is urgent, it’s best to seek advice.
Urgent appointments are available by referral only by calling the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Dental Advice Line on 01743 322 199.
You will be assessed and signposted to the nearest available dental practice offering urgent NHS care.
Please note: These appointments are only for urgent dental needs. For routine care, contact your usual NHS dentist or check availability using the NHS Find a Dentist tool.
In February 2025, the Government announced an additional 700,000 urgent dental appointments across England. Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will deliver over 7,000 of these every year, helping more people get timely, essential care.
Call the Dental Advice Line to speak to someone today. We’re committed to ensuring you get the care you need, when you need it most.
Emergency dental care
If you are registered with a dentist, please call them. They will undertake an assessment of your needs over the phone, manage your problem remotely or arrange a face to face appointment. If your dentist cannot help you right now, they will find a hub practice that is equipped to manage your needs right now.
If you don’t have a dentist or your dentist is closed you can also access help by calling NHS 111.
NHS dentists
The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.
Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement.
Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each.
You can find out more, including how to find an NHS dentist below:
- What dental services are available on the NHS?
- Dental treatment for people with special needs
- How to find an NHS dentist
- What happens when you visit an NHS dentist
- Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?
- How can I access an NHS dentist in an emergency or out of hours?
- How do I complain about my dental treatment?
- What if my NHS dental treatment goes wrong?
- Dental costs
For more information, please refer to:
