PATIENTS can now find an NHS dentist within reasonable travelling distance thanks to a three-year expansion plan in western Cheshire.
An extra 30 NHS dentists are providing treatment at dental practices from Malpas to Frodsham and Neston to Tarporley.
Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust says its client population can now access NHS dental services no matter where they live.
This means that, where some dental practices may have opted out of providing NHS services, the PCT has ensured replacement NHS services are in place.
NHS figures show that, in 2007-2008, 84% of local children attended the PCT’s dental practices and 65% of adults – compared with national figures of 70% of children and 51% of adults.
Spokeswoman Anne-Marie Storey said: “We have strong working relationships with local dentists and have used our funding to expand NHS dental services where they are needed most.”
Commenting on the expansion of NHS dental services, chief executive Helen Bellairs, said: “This good news for patients on access means we can now focus on preventing dental disease and we firmly believe we have the capacity for all residents to obtain NHS dental services in a family-friendly environment.”
A patient survey carried out earlier this year showed that 96% of patients were satisfied with the dental treatment provided by their practice and according to the PCT many commented that services were “first-class,” “brilliant” and “superb”.
To access NHS dental services, call: 01244 650585.
