7:00pm Saturday 27th June 2009
DENTISTS in Somerset are bucking the trend with the number of NHS surgeries taking on new patients continuing to rise.
The latest national review shows the county is leading the way in making NHS dentistry available to all who want it as public complaints continue to rise in other parts of the country.
The independent review, ordered by government ministers, has been looking at the on-going problems patients in other parts of the country experience when trying to find an NHS dentist. It showed that although a new contract to broaden the availability of NHS spaces in 2006 had proved unpopular with the dental profession and left many people unable to find an NHS dentist, this was not the experience in Somerset.
Former dentist and dental advisor to NHS Somerset Martin Fulford said: “It is undoubtedly true that nationally there are some problems to be resolved concerning the provision of dental services and finding the best way to fund dentistry in a manner which encourages the provision of preventive care.
“We are fortunate here in Somerset to have as many as 27 NHS dental practices currently taking on new NHS patients.
“NHS Somerset also funds over 200 emergency dental treatment appointments each week, so even people not registered with a dentist and needing emergency dental treatment can just telephone the helpline and arrange a rapid appointment.”
To get an NHS dentist call the local NHS Dental Helpline on 0845-7697691.
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