NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working on strategies to enhance dental access and oral health in the region.

The body recently launched a programme aimed at improving knowledge of oral health best practices, boosting understanding of NHS dental services, and facilitating access for those in greatest need.

The programme will focus on priority investment areas, patient pathways, communications with the public and staff, contract management, and staff retention and recruitment.

Dentist Clare Granger, a senior clinical fellow for the ICB, said: "We know that access to NHS dental services is a big issue at the moment and we receive a lot of comments from local people who are struggling to access an NHS dentist.

"The NHS only receives funding for up to 60 per cent of the population to receive NHS dentistry, however the decline in oral health since the COVID-19 pandemic means the level of funding received in reality is currently only sufficient for around 50 per cent of the population to be able to access routine NHS dental care.

"It is therefore not possible for everyone in the UK to receive NHS dental treatment.

"We hope that by working together with dental teams across Lancashire and South Cumbria we can support people who are most in need to access NHS dentistry and also improve people’s knowledge, both of services and of how best to look after their own oral health at home."

The ICB has so far succeeded in guaranteeing funding for the Lancashire and South Cumbria dental helpline.

The helpline, established to support those who do not have access to a regular NHS dentist, offers advice and the chance to book urgent appointments if necessary.

The helpline is available to call on 0300 1234010 between 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday, and between 10am and 5pm on weekends and bank holidays.

The ICB will also roll out a public campaign called ‘The A to Z of oral hygiene.' 

The initiative will provide advice for those in Lancashire and South Cumbria on home dental care.

Ms Granger said: "We are very excited about the dental access and oral health improvement programme and look forward to working with colleagues across Lancashire and South Cumbria to help improve access to dental services for people across the region."

The ICB is also planning a comprehensive public campaign to promote oral health.

If you need to access a dentist in an emergency or out of normal hours, use NHS111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Urgent dental treatment is charged at £26.80 (unless you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment).

You should only go to A&E if your dental problem is an emergency and you are suffering from a large swelling, heavy and uncontrolled bleeding or have injuries to the face, mouth or teeth.

For additional information, visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/dentistry.