The Leeds Primary Care Trusts (PCT’s) are commissioning new dental services throughout the city to replace those lost with the introduction of new nationally agreed contracts on 1 April 2006.

Over the next year it is anticipated that all dental places lost through dentists opting out of the NHS will be replaced.

To ensure that NHS patients are able to access the new services without having to ring round several different practices, the PCT’s have also established the Leeds Dental Advice Line.

Leeds residents looking for a new NHS dentist or who would like advice and support about all aspects of NHS dental care are being encouraged to call the Advice Line.

They will also be able to add their details to the PCT’s database of patients wanting to find a new NHS dentist and will be contacted once a new place becomes available.

Speaking about the current situation, PCT director of clinical services Tracy Cannell said:
"We are pleased that the majority of dentists in Leeds have confirmed that they would like to stay within the NHS.  Regrettably however, a number have told us that they intend to opt out from 1 April.
"As soon as this became apparent we acted quickly to start putting alternative plans in place.
"These have centered on a dual approach. Firstly we have been working with existing practices to increase their capacity where appropriate.
"Secondly we are in the process of putting longer term plans into place to secure new dental services for the people of Leeds.
"I fully appreciate the uncertainty that many NHS dental patients are feeling at the moment however it is important to remember that most people with good dental health only require a check-up once a year.
"This gives us time to make sure we are providing the right services for people and we are confident that within the next 12 months we will have replaced those services that will be lost on 1 April."

For further information, or to put your name on the PCT’s database of people looking for a new NHS dentist contact the Leeds Dental Advice Line on 0800 298 5787.