A preliminary investigation into the effect of the use of the Short Message Service (SMS) on patient attendance at an NHS Dental Access Centre in Scotland.

Aim: This study´s aim was to assess whether the use of Short Message Service (SMS) text reminders sent to patients prior to their dental appointments improved attendance rates for two dentists at a dental access centre in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland.

Method: Automated SMS text reminders were set up through practice management software at Kirkcaldy Dental Access Centre. Two audits, using a research methodology, were then performed.