A ground-breaking NHS pilot is now live across Basildon, Brentwood and mid Essex, offering free blood pressure checks to eligible patients during routine dental appointments.
Twelve local dental practices are taking part in the initiative, which is open to anyone over 40 who hasn’t had a blood pressure check in the last year. With around 88,000 people in our region estimated to be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, this simple check could help prevent serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia.
Why it matters:
High blood pressure often has no symptoms – but it can lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated. This new approach makes it quicker and easier for people to access essential health checks as part of their everyday care.
“Offering blood pressure checks as part of routine dental appointments could help save lives and prevent future heart attacks or strokes. It’s a small action that could make a positive difference.”
– Dr Sophia Morris, clinical lead for health inequalities, NHS Mid and South Essex
Participating dental practices
Residents can access the free checks at the following locations:
- Alba Dental Care, Braintree
- Springfield Dental Practice, Chelmsford
- Brickfields Dental Practice, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford
- Baddow Dental Practice, Great Baddow, Chelmsford
- Heralds Way Dental Clinic, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford
- Smile Dental Clinic, Basildon
- The Essex Dental Clinic, Earls Colne
- Dental Beauty Benfleet Clinic, Benfleet
- The Dental Health Centre, Witham
- Sharrow Dental, Chelmsford
- Herongate Dental Surgery, Brentwood
- Goodleigh Dental Practice, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford
Click the button below to read the full story, see which dental practices are involved, and learn more about getting a free NHS blood pressure check in your area.