Dental Helpline takes its 400,000th call

The Oral Health Foundation has helped more than 400,000 people through its Dental Helpline over the last two decades.

It claims many who turn to the foundation are confused, anxious and unsure where to turn for help.

The helpline aims to provide information and support to help callers.

‘Your patient’s oral health matters to us,’ the Oral Health Foundation’s chief executive, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says.

‘We’re more than just a place where they can get information.

‘We truly care about the people that reach out to us.

‘To say that we have been able to help 400,000 people is very special.

‘The Dental Helpline will continue to be a friendly place for anybody to find practical and emotional support for their oral health problems.’

Dedicated advice line

It is the UK’s only dedicated advice line for oral health, staffed by fully-qualified dental professionals.

Some of the most common questions are around dental terms, treatments and procedures, current legislation, dental charges and signposting to other organisations.

‘Each person who contacts us does so with a different set of needs,’ adds Dr Carter.

‘No matter what their situation is, it is important for them to know that is help available.

‘We encourage you to direct patients to us if they feel like they need any help or advice outside of the dental practice.’

In addition to taking telephone calls, the Dental Helpline also supports people through email, social media and hand-written letters.

The Dental Helpline can be reached on 01788 539 780, alternatively, questions can be sent in via www.dentalhealth.org/dentalhelpline.