"Patients and dentists are in the dark. Quick access to emergency care is not available across the whole country.

"I have offered to open my practice for free to anyone but there's been no take up."

The dentist and his colleague have set up a Facebook group called the British Association of Private Dentistry, which already has 5,000 members after just seven days.

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He said: "If I did a snap poll of who would open their practice doors to provide free treatment for all patients, those willing to open for free would win by a landslide.

"Our message is please allow us to help in any capacity. We can open our practices within an hour."

 
Dr Thorley added that dental clinics play a key role in detecting oral problems early on, preventing potentially fatal issues down the line and reducing pressure on the NHS.

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said: "Many dentists are taking calls from people in agony, but have nowhere to send them.

"Officials must stop dragging their heels. A promised urgent care system still isn't up an running, PPE remains thin on the ground, and there is nothing resembling information for the public. 

"Whenever access problems emerge people with toothache take matters into their own hands. It's inevitable many desperate patients will resort to 'DIY dentistry' unless we see rapid action from government."

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have been approached for comment.

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