Sir, there has been much uproar in the media recently regarding how difficult it is to see an NHS general medical practitioner (GMP). Some have suggested that perhaps a fee should be payable by patients, similar to the NHS dental charge. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, though NHS dentistry is attempting to return to 'normal', there still remain huge backlogs and patients who are failing to get an appointment, irrespective of whether they pay. Aside from funding issues and shortages in some areas, NHS dentists are still seeing a large amount of patients, and all appointments are carried out face to face. With a lot of GMPs currently operating a triage system, and virtual options such as video and phone call appointments available, could something similar be used in NHS dentistry?

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A virtual 'check-in', as suggested by David Westgarth in 2020,1 could be hugely valuable if implemented correctly. Many low risk patients wish to attend for a 'checkup' every six months, even if not needed. In this cohort a virtual appointment could be used between the correct recall and free up face to face appointment time for patients with higher risk or need. It could also be used to triage patients prior to emergency and consultation appointments, as well as improving access for vulnerable and anxious patients. Virtual dentistry is a vital tool which if used correctly could help to remove some of the barriers patients are facing to see an NHS dentist.