Dental services for 21,000 announced

Health chiefs in Sandwell have announced plans to open four new dental practices in the borough, creating a minimum of 21,000 new NHS places.

Sandwell Primary Care Trust is proposing to open the new NHS practices.

Two will be in Tipton and two in Oldbury, and plans are being set out in a new public consultation. Residents are now being invited to put forward their opinions by completing a survey. Anna Lee Smith, consultant in dental public health said: "We already have good access to NHS dentistry in Sandwell.

"Oral health has improved in recent years, with the majority of children in the borough now reaching their fifth birthday with no experience of dental decay.

"However, we have a duty to make sure that anyone wanting to go to an NHS dentist can do so.

"We believe that people living in all parts of Sandwell should be able to access an NHS dentist locally and conveniently.

"We have chosen Tipton and Oldbury because there are less NHS dental services in these areas compared to other places in Sandwell."

The proposed locations are at Oldbury Health Centre in Albert Street, and another site in the town which is still being decided.

They could also be set up in the Princes End or Tipton Green areas or Great Bridge town centre.

Ms Smith added: "What we really want to know from local people is what is important to them when looking for a dentist and what would make dental services easier to use.

"With your comments we can plan the new dental practices around what matters to you."

Copies of the freepost survey and consultation booklet are available from local GP surgeries and health centres, community centres, and local libraries.

You can also download it from www.sandwell.nhs. uk or request a copy by calling Carla Evans on 0121 612 1613.

Community groups are also being encouraged to contact the PCT to arrange a meeting to discuss the consultation.

The consultation closes on January 8, 2010.