The first group are those in a state of crisis such as experiencing trauma from losing a few teeth on the footy field; facial swelling due to a tooth infection; or those with a toothache that prevents them from sleeping. These people get immediate treatment.

The next group is those with less severe toothaches, which, in technical terms, respond to 'hot stimulus' such as tea or coffee, or feel pain when biting. They get treated within the week. In group three are the people whose teeth react to sweets or cold stimulus (from ice cream or cold drinks); deemed less serious, they are treated within two weeks. The more minor broken teeth, or cracked dentures, for example are treated within a month.

Once they have asked the questions, the receptionist hits the find button and the tool tells them what to do, said Shane McGuire, manager of quality and dental compliance at DHSV.

"It's now a universal approach which appropriately identifies emergencies."

"Now those with [urgent] needs are seen ahead of the low-level cases," he said.