Connecting dental care with wider health services

We know many dental issues are closely linked with general health. Gum disease, for example, is connected with conditions like diabetes and heart health, while ear, nose and throat concerns can sometimes affect your jaw and oral comfort. By joining forces with the NPN, LocalDentist.org is helping patients access a more joined-up picture of their healthcare.

This means alongside finding your next dental check-up or emergency appointment, you can also use the NPN to discover:

• Pharmacy First consultations for quick, expert advice on common conditions.

• Pharmadoctor services including private consultations and treatments.

• Vaccinations to help protect overall wellbeing (important for oral surgery and immune health).

• Weight loss support: as maintaining a healthy weight can improve oral health outcomes.

• Ear clinics: ensuring clear hearing and balance, which are often linked with jaw health.

Pharmacy First and oral health

The NHS’s Pharmacy First scheme is one of the most exciting additions. Instead of waiting for a GP, you can pop into your local pharmacy for treatment and advice on everyday conditions - helping to catch issues early before they affect your wider health, including your mouth and gums.

By including Pharmacy First in the NPN, it’s now simple to see which local pharmacies offer this service, right alongside your dental options.

A single directory for community health

The NPN has also expanded to include all UK physiotherapists and opticians, recognising that oral health is just one piece of the bigger wellbeing picture. For patients, this means:

• Find a dentist for expert oral health care.

• Find a pharmacist for NHS or private healthcare needs.

• Find a physiotherapist for recovery and movement support.

• Find an optician for vision and eye health.

Together, LocalDentist.org and the NPN bring these services into one digital space, reflecting the same strong connections that already exist in your local community.

Your trusted partner in overall health

This update is about more than convenience - it’s about helping patients take charge of their health in a simple, joined-up way. With easy access to dentists, pharmacies, opticians and physiotherapists, you can be confident you’re getting the right support at the right time.

So whether you’re booking your next dental check-up, seeking treatment for an earache, or preparing for a vaccination before oral surgery, you can now start your journey in one trusted place.