Dentists recruiting hundreds of patients

Hundreds of NHS patients are being taken on at six Staffordshire dental practices in a campaign with the slogan "Why go miles for your smiles".

The campaign has been launched by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust to promote the choice of NHS dentists with places available and to stress the importance of visiting a dentist regularly. A marketing team visited Cannock town centre on Saturday to spread the word. The dentists are in Cannock Chase, Stafford and South Staffordshire.

Jim Barlow, head of primary care for South Staffordshire PCT, said: "There is the perception locally that an NHS dentist is like gold dust to find and this is simply not the case.

"In and around Cannock including Hednesford, Great Wyrley and Heath Hayes we have six dentists taking on new patients immediately.

"Regular dental visits are really important in order to ensure healthy teeth and gums, but they are also vital for the early detection of the various types of problems.

"Many dental conditions don't cause symptoms in the early stages so it's important to get your mouth checked regularly. Dentists can also give preventative treatment to patients that may avoid problems later.

"It is important that people don't wait until they get toothache before going to a dentist when they can visit a local NHS dentist to get a check-up and avoid unwanted pain and discomfort."

The dentists taking on new NHS patients are Valley Centre Dental Practice, Hednesford on 01543 878171; ADP Dental Care, Hednesford, 01543 422877; Oasis Dental Practice, Cannock, 01543 502268; Cannock Chase Dental Practice, Cannock, 01543 503251; Birchwood Dental Practice, Great Wyrley, 01922 413275; Heath Hayes Dental Care, 01543 274039; Hillcrest Dental Practice, Stafford, 01785 223027; Oasis Dental Care Limited, Stafford, 01785 242314; Whitecross Dental Care, Stafford, 01785 229591.

To find your local NHS Dentist visit www.southstaffordshirepct.nhs.uk or call 01889 571758.