How can a ship's crew member see a dentist in Cape Town?

The ship’s agent arranges it. Dr Davies sees ship crew at BRS Dental in the Cape Town city centre, about 1.5 km from Duncan Dock, and she can usually see a crew member on the day the ship is in port, including on Saturday mornings. The practice sends the account for the treatment to the agent.

In short

• Crew appointments are arranged through the ship’s agent, and the practice sends the account to the agent.
• Dr Davies can usually see a crew member on the day the ship is in port, including on Saturday mornings.
• The crew member brings the ship’s papers, which means a request for treatment from the ship’s captain.
• A written note of the treatment is provided if it is asked for.
• BRS Dental is about 1.2 km from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal and about 1.5 km from Duncan Dock, measured in a straight line.

How is an appointment arranged?

The ship’s agent calls the practice to arrange the appointment. It helps to give the crew member’s name, the name of the ship, how long the ship will be in port and a short description of the problem, such as pain, swelling or a broken tooth, so that the practice can judge how soon the crew member needs to be seen. Under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, seafarers have the right to visit a qualified doctor or dentist without delay in ports of call, where practicable. At BRS Dental, that visit is arranged through the ship’s agent.

How soon can a crew member be seen?

Dr Davies can usually see a crew member on the day the ship is in port. The practice is open on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00 and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00, and it is closed on Sundays. If the ship’s stay is short, say so when you call, together with how severe the problem is. How same-day dental appointments work explains how urgency is judged when the day is already busy. If the ship arrives at night or on a Sunday, call Dr Davies on her own mobile, and finding a dentist after hours in Cape Town explains how after-hours care works.

What should the crew member bring?

The crew member should bring the ship’s papers, which means a request for treatment from the ship’s captain. It also helps to know about any medical conditions, allergies or medicines the crew member takes, so that these can be mentioned at the start of the visit.

How is the treatment paid for?

The practice sends the account for the treatment to the ship’s agent. Questions about fees are best raised when the appointment is arranged. If the ship or the crew member needs a written note of the treatment, for example for the ship’s records, ask for one and Dr Davies will provide it.

How far is the practice from the harbour?

BRS Dental is on the 12th floor of The Felix (formerly Picbel Parkade), 58 Strand Street, in the Cape Town city centre. Measured in a straight line on OpenStreetMap, it is about 1.2 km from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, about 1.5 km from Duncan Dock and about 2.5 km from Ben Schoeman Dock. Parking is available in the building, and a lift goes up to the 12th floor. Visiting the practice has a map, directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze, and the opening hours.

What if the problem cannot wait?

Severe toothache, a broken tooth, a lost filling or swelling in the gum are the kinds of problems that are usually seen on the day. Some signs need a hospital emergency unit instead of a dentist: facial swelling that spreads towards the eye or neck, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. The dental emergency guide explains what to do until the crew member is seen.

How does the agent reach Dr Davies?

Call Dr Davies directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page, in practice hours or after them. Cruise passengers and other visitors to Cape Town can read what to do about toothache on holiday in Cape Town.