As Dentists, we, are expected to provide emergency care to patients during the Christmas and New Year period.
Referring patients to NHS 111 may not meet the patient’s needs and so to assist in avoiding conflict we have outlined the following, as a suggestion on how to manage patient’s expectations while not imposing a significant burden on the dental team at this time of year.
To assist with managing emergency dental cover over the festive season, we, at Densura, recommend considering the following.
Publish Your Surgery Opening Hours
Declare your clinic’s opening hours between 23rd December and 2nd January.
Update Your Answering Machine Message
Ensure your voicemail directs patients to a monitored contact point, such as a phone line, WhatsApp number, or email address.
The message should ideally specify the emergency service hours and any applicable terms.
For example:
“Emergency dental services will be available between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
on 25th, 26th, 27th, and 31st of December, and 1st of January. A fixed fee of £250 is payable in advance to cover the cost of the appointment.”
Eligibility for Emergency Services
In practical terms, you may wish to limit emergency care to your own regular patients.
Patients who are not registered with the clinic, or whose last visit was for emergency treatment, may be advised to contact NHS 111 for assistance if that is what you decide.
Scope of Emergency Treatment
We suggest that the patient is made clear at the outset that the emergency dental care is intended to provide temporary relief and does not include definitive restorations or formal treatments, and that treatment may include:
- Temporary restorations.
- Smoothing or stoning of fractured or sharp teeth.
- Pain management, including prescribing analgesics or antibiotics.
- Pulp extirpation (nerve removal) where feasible.
- Simple extractions, where possible.
How do you get comfortable that you have Consent?
Attendance for emergency dental treatment by definition, in this situation, confers “valid” consent.
Finally we suggest that you ensure patients understand the temporary nature of the treatment and that further follow-up care may be required.
Suggested Communication to Patients
( Feel free to edit to fit your own views, this is a guide only)
Message to Patients About Emergency Dental Services
Emergency Dental Cover During the Christmas and New Year Period
Our clinic offers emergency dental services over the festive season to provide urgent care for patients in need. Below are the details and limitations of this service:
Emergency Service Hours
Emergency services will be available between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the following dates:
25th, 26th, 27th, 31st December and 1st January
A fixed fee of £250 is payable in advance to secure an appointment.
Eligibility
This service is available to regular patients of the clinic only.
If you are not registered with our clinic or your last visit was for emergency treatment, please contact NHS 111 for assistance.
What Emergency Treatment Includes
Temporary relief to manage dental pain and discomfort, which may involve:
Temporary restorations.
Smoothing or stoning of fractured or sharp teeth.
Pain management with medication or antibiotics.
Pulp extirpation (nerve removal) where possible.
Simple extractions, if feasible.
*Please note: Complex extractions, such as those involving impacted or infected teeth, will not be carried out.
Limitations and Risks
- Emergency care is palliative and does not include definitive restorations or long-term solutions.
- The treatment provided is a last resort and cannot guarantee longevity or success.
- Further follow-up appointments will be necessary for comprehensive
- treatment.
- By attending an emergency appointment, you provide valid consent for the treatment offered. This means you acknowledge and accept the limitations, risks, and temporary nature of the care provided.
