This Topic Review covers the management of dental abscess in primary care, including out-of-hours care. The target audience for this Topic Review is health care professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care. The following management issues are discussed: - assessment of someone with dental abscess - who should treat a dental abscess - how to manage someone who is waiting to see a dental practitioner - when to seek specialist advice or arrange hospital admission - treatments that are available from a dental practitioner Information on the prescribing of antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole) and analgesics is given.