NHS Gloucestershire said it has been working hard to give its residents better access to NHS dentistry and there are now more appointments available across the county.

NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed it is continuing to increase the number of urgent appointments available each week at clinics across the county, including on weeknights and at weekends.

It said the plans are in line with the government’s pledge to roll out extra urgent dental appointments.

Christina Worle, Dental Strategy Clinical Lead at NHS Gloucestershire, said: “We’re seeing real momentum in Gloucestershire when it comes to improving access to NHS dental care. The expansion of urgent and stabilisation appointments is making a tangible difference for our patients.

“The plans for Gloucester’s new Dental Access Centre are a positive step forward, offering extended urgent care and targeted support for those who need it most.

“We acknowledge that there is much more to do to ensure that everyone can access dental care, but it’s encouraging to see such strong investment in both services and training that will help secure the future of NHS dentistry in the county.”

Currently, 140 urgent appointments are offered on average each week with plans in place to increase this number further by the end of March 2026.

As part of its commitment to improve access to NHS dentistry, NHS ICB also commissions over 270 appointments on average each week across the county to support patients who have had an urgent dental appointment and require further treatment, but do not have a dentist.

The appointments may include a full examination and follow-up dental treatment, and patients will be referred following their urgent dental appointment if they need to be.

Patients can access urgent dental appointments by contacting NHS 111 and then be triaged by the local urgent dental care triage team.