A THREE-year expansion programme for dental services throughout Western Cheshire has resulted in an extra 30 NHS dentists providing access to treatment.

Working with dental practices from Malpas to Frodsham and Neston to Tarporley, the region’s Primary Care Trust (PCT) can ensure its population can now access NHS dental services no matter where they live.

Where some dental practices have opted out of providing NHS services, the PCT has now ensured replacement NHS services are in place within a reasonable travelling distance and where the patients don’t have to pay private fees.

The PCT is responsible for working with local dentists to set contracts for NHS dental services to ensure patients can access them when they need them.

NHS figures show that, in 2007-2008, 84% of children in Western Cheshire attended dental practices and 65% of adults (compared with national figures of 70% of children and 51% of adults).

PCT chief executive Helen Bellairs said: “This good news for patients on access means we can now focus on preventing dental disease.

“We firmly believe we have the capacity for all residents to obtain NHS dental services in a family-friendly environment.”

- To access NHS dental services, call 01244 650585.