Record numbers sign up for NHS dentist

RECORD numbers of people have opted to return to NHS dentistry in Worcestershire.

More than 3,000 new patients signed up to an NHS dentist in the county from last October to January this year.

The increase comes in the wake of major investment in dentistry across the county by NHS Worcestershire, which has increased capacity at a number of existing dental practices to create an additional 51,000 NHS dental places.

A new campaign has also been launched this week aimed at further bolstering awareness of the availability of NHS dental places.

Spearheading the campaign will be a new superhero character Mighty Molar Man, who will be travelling around the county this month with local dentists.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to sign up to an NHS Dentist, find out information about dental charges and pick up a free goody bag in a series of roadshows.

Sally Everton, dental commissioning manager for NHS Worcestershire, said "We have good access to local NHS dental services in Worcestershire but some people perceive it is difficult to find a dentist or to get an appointment or to get treated.

"The campaign aims to address those concerns, plus other popular misconceptions such as people believing they don’t quality for NHS treatment, that it is expensive or that they will be charged when in fact they are exempt from payment.”

The roadshow will be visiting Waitrose in Droitwich on Tuesday, March 20 from 10am to 1pm and Morrison's in the St Andrew's Centre on Wednesday, March 21 from 10am to 1pm.

For more information visit www.getmeadentist.com or follow @WorcsNHSDentist on Twitter.