HEALTH bosses in the Northern Yorkshire Dales are set to establish new NHS dental services in Richmond and Catterick Garrison.

The move by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) follows a decision by two dental practices to withdraw their NHS services for adults.

It is a disappointment that two further practices are going to withdraw from the provision of NHS dental care for adults

Maddy Ruff - Hambleton and Richmondshire PCT

Planning for future services is now well underway following last months decision by the Lion House Practice in Richmond and Lawrence Dobson in Catterick Garrison that affects around 7000 adult patients.

In response to the decision, the PCT is looking to recruit contracted staff for its own in-house dental service. Whilst existing dental access centres in Colburn and Catterick Garrison can be used as an interim measure, the PCT is working to secure alternative NHS provision in the towns through a tendering process.

Maddy Ruff, Director of Primary Care at the PCT, said: "It is a disappointment that two further practices are going to withdraw from the provision of NHS dental care for adults.

"However, as we said earlier in the year, the PCT has the resources to be able to set up new NHS services for people who do not want to take up the offer of private treatment from their existing practices.

Patients at these two practices are still entitled to NHS dentistry from their existing dentist up until 31st August 2006 and beyond that if they are undergoing an on-going course of treatment."

Arrangements are in place for the PCT to take the names and addresses of those who would like to be contacted with regard to accessing new NHS dental services as they are developed.

Patients should contact the PCT on 01845 573865, or email the Dental Services team at enquiries@hrpct.nhs.uk giving name, address and contact telephone number.

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