Here's what Falkirk district residents should do if they develop toothache

Forth Valley NHS says Falkirk people who are registered with a dental practice and feel they have an urgent dental need, should phone their practice for advice during normal working hours.Staff will be able to provide advice, reassurance or carry out a telephone assessment.After being assessed, anyone who requires urgent dental treatment will be contacted and, if necessary, given an appointment to be seen at one of a number of urgent dental care centres in Forth Valley.People with symptoms of COVID-19 will be seen at a designatedCOVID-19 urgent dental care centre.Anyone who is not registered with a dentist should phone 01324 614 670 for dental advice during normal working hours.Outside normal working hours, anyone who requires advice for an urgentdental issue should contact NHS24 on 111 whether they are registered with a dentist or not.The Orthodontic Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has also suspended all non-urgent appointments and advice for anyone with a brace fitted who experiences a problem is available on the COVID-19 section of the NHS Forth Valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com/covidJennifer Rodgers, Director of Dentistry, NHS Forth Valley, said: “We have put these arrangements in place to ensure that people who require urgent dental treatment can access the advice and support they require.“I’d also like to thank dental practice staff across Forth Valley for helping to put these arrangements in place so quickly.“Many staff from local dental practices, including dental nurses, have also volunteered to work with us and are now supporting the delivery of a range of services including the COVID-19 testing service for local healthcare staff.”The latest health advice and information on coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on www.nhsinform.scot

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