The number of patients seeking dental advice and treatment from their GPs is increasing.
GPs are not responsible for treating dental problems. The GMC requires doctors to have the appropriate skills and training for any treatment they provide. The GPs at the surgery have no dental training and are therefore not covered by their medical indemnity to provide advice or treatment for dental problems.
Therefore, if it is determined that the condition requires only dental treatment, then GPs are legally and contractually obliged to direct the patient to the appropriate dental service.
General dental practitioners have an ethical responsibility to provide access to advice and emergency treatment for their patients, including those under a private contract and to provide access to emergency treatment outside normal hours.
If you are not registered with a dentist, or are unable to contact your dentist, please contact NHS 111 where they will be able to advise you about other emergency dental services
To find a dentist near you: NHS Find Dentist Services.