Funding pays for NHS dental open days (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Funding pays for NHS dental open days

9:10am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News

People living in Bradford and Airedale who have not been to the dentist in the last two years are being encouraged to see an NHS dentist during a series of open access days.

Almost half of all NHS practices across the district are opening their doors to new patients on three dates – February 29, March 7 and March 14. A check-up and course of treatment, if appropriate, will be offered to people who book an appointment in advance.

The open access days are the result of one-off funding from the Department of Health to increase the number of people able to see an NHS dentist. NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds bid for a share of the cash and invited practices to take part in the scheme.

People can find out which practices are taking part by visiting bradford.nhs.uk, or by calling the patient advice and liaison service on (01274) 237555. They can then call any of the practices to book an appointment for one of the open access day sessions.

Catherine Thatcher, deputy director of primary care at NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, said: “This will help us to increase further the number of people able to access an NHS dentist in Bradford and Airedale.

“We have worked with local practices to look at innovative ways to use this funding and the idea for the access sessions idea has received a very positive response.”