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Urgent dental care

Emergency NHS dental care in the UK

63 NHS surgeries across the UK offer emergency dental appointments. Call NHS 111 first for advice.

First step: call NHS 111

NHS 111 is free, 24/7, and will route you to the right service — urgent dental, GP out-of-hours, or A&E. Don't turn up to a surgery without calling first; emergency slots are limited and triaged.

📞 Call 111 now Free from any UK phone, 24 hours a day.

When to go straight to A&E (or call 999)

  • Swelling in your mouth, jaw or neck that affects breathing or swallowing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 20 minutes of pressure
  • Serious injury to the face or jaw after an accident
  • High fever combined with dental pain

UK NHS surgeries offering emergency care

Sorted by which surgeries are also accepting new NHS patients (most likely to fit you in).

MS MC HALLEN

51 BARNSLEY ROAD, Pontefract WF9 2RN

Emergency care Adults: Accepting new patients Children: Accepting
View details

Frequently asked

What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe toothache that wakes you, a knocked-out adult tooth, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. For the swelling/breathing scenarios go straight to A&E or call 999.
Can I see an NHS dentist on the same day?
Yes — but only for genuine emergencies. Call NHS 111 (free), and they will direct you to the nearest urgent dental service that can see you. You may have to travel.
Do I pay for emergency NHS dental treatment?
You pay the Band 1 NHS dental charge for urgent care (£26.80 as of April 2024). Some groups (under-18s, pregnant, low income) qualify for free treatment.
Should I go to A&E for a toothache?
Only if you have facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury. For pain alone, call NHS 111 — they will route you to dental rather than A&E.