Residents in Portsmouth, Hampshire, can now access thousands of additional NHS dental appointments thanks to a programme launched in February 2026. The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) initiative allows people to book urgent treatments or routine check-ups at participating local practices even if they are not a registered patient at that specific clinic.
The move aims to make it easier for people to see a dentist in an area that has for years struggled with limited NHS dental access. Appointments are available at participating high-street practices (the ICB lists local providers such as Maple House Dental Practice and Cosham High Street practice) and at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, where dental students provide NHS care under the supervision of qualified staff.
Health leaders say the extra slots are intended to reduce the number of people presenting to emergency departments with tooth pain, swelling or other urgent dental problems. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has been cited by commissioners as a key stakeholder because of the high volume of dental-related A&E attendances in recent months; the scheme aims to divert non-surgical oral health issues away from hospital emergency services.
Anyone needing an appointment can contact participating dental practices directly and should tell the practice they are seeking care under the ICB’s Additional Hours Scheme, or call NHS 111 for triage and direction to an available slot. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Dental Committee (LDC), which represents local dentists, is a key professional stakeholder and has previously highlighted contractual and capacity issues for practices; the ICB says this flexible commissioning approach is intended to increase local appointment availability and provide relief to residents who have struggled to access NHS dental care.
For details on participating practices and eligibility criteria, see the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight dentistry information and the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy patient services pages.
