Over 16,000 Additional Urgent NHS Dental Appointments for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent  

Patients across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will soon find it easier to access urgent NHS dental care, thanks to a major expansion of services across the area.  

As part of the government’s national plan to improve access to urgent dental treatment, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is introducing more than 16,000 additional urgent dental appointments every year. These appointments will support people experiencing pain, infection, or other urgent dental issues.  

What counts as urgent dental care?  

Urgent dental care is for conditions 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  

Appointments can only be accessed through referral by calling the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Dental Advice Line on 0300 123 0981, where patients will be assessed and directed to the nearest dental practice offering urgent NHS care.  

Dr Rachel Gallyot, Interim Chief Medical Officer at the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, said:  

“Too many people have struggled to access urgent dental care when they need it most. By introducing thousands of additional appointments every year, we are making sure that patients in pain or distress can receive timely treatment close to home. This is a vital step in our commitment to improving oral health and ensuring fair access to NHS services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”  

The announcement follows the government’s February 2025 pledge to deliver an extra 700,000 urgent dental appointments nationwide.  

For urgent dental advice or to access an appointment, call the Dental Advice Line on 0300 123 0981.