Improved access to urgent dental care across Sussex
This improved urgent dental care is designed to help people access the support they need, as quickly and conveniently as possible.
The Urgent Dental Care and Stabilisation (UDCS) programme has been extended and is operating across high street dental practices in Sussex.
This follows a pilot which took place across ten practices. The programme will continue until at least 31st March 2025 and:
- provides access to urgent dental (not emergency) care for anyone unable to access a dental appointment
- is intended for patients without access to a regular dentist and those who are struggling to get an urgent appointment with their regular dentist, and
- also offers appointments to patients from identified vulnerable groups, who require an urgent assessment of their oral health.
These groups are:
- Clinically vulnerable patients (including those on bisphosphonate medication, immunosuppressed and patients requiring dental assessment / fitness to commence oncology or cardiology treatment)
- Looked after children and care leavers
- Care home residents (able to access the practice)
- Homeless people
- Vulnerable migrants (asylum seekers and refugees)
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Patients will:
- receive a full assessment of their oral health
- be offered the necessary treatment required to manage pain and resolve immediate issues, and
- be offered any additional courses of treatment identified to stabilise their oral health through addressing underlying issues.
Referrals into the programme
The programme is being managed by the Sussex Dental Helpline. Patients should contact the Helpline team directly to access the dental care they need, as quickly and conveniently as possible.
The Sussex Dental Helpline can be contacted on 0300 123 1663 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing: kcht.dentalhelpdesk@nhs.net.
Link to guidance on funded translation and interpreting services can be found here.
For help with urgent (not emergency) dental needs, call the Sussex Dental Helpline.