11 September 2025
NHS Guidance on GP and Dental Care
According to NHS policy, dental problems must be managed by qualified dentists. GPs are not trained or equipped to handle dental conditions, and prescriptions for dental issues should only be provided by a dentist.
Treating patients with dental problems is not a GP responsibility, even if a patient is not registered with a dentist because:
- GPs are not trained to deal with dental issues.
- There is a legal restriction on who can provide dental care.
If you have dental concerns, NHS guidelines advise the following:
Routine Care or Emergencies:
- Register with an NHS dentist for regular care.
- For urgent dental issues, contact an NHS dentist directly or use NHS 111 to find an emergency dental service.
Emergency Support:
- NHS 111 can guide you if you’re unable to access an NHS dentist and need urgent help.