ANY patient in Horsforth, Airebor-ough or parts of Wharfedale whose dentist decides to quit the health service will be able to access new NHS services within the next 12 months.

That is the vow being made by Leeds North West Primary Care Trust (PCT) in response to the publication of a survey which showed that up to half of the area's NHS dentists were planning to go private.

Conducted by Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, the questionnaire painted a grim picture of attitudes towards the NHS amongst dentists in Otley, Guiseley and Bramhope.

The focus of the profession's concerns, which are shared by the British Dental Association, revolve around the new national contract for NHS dentistry which comes into effect on Saturday.

Commenting on the survey findings, Mr Mulholland warned that some NHS patients could be forced to take out expensive private dental insurance -- while those who couldn't afford it might struggle to get treatment at all.

But Leeds North West PCT is insisting no-one will be forced to switch to private treatment and anyone whose practice opts out of the NHS will be given a choice of a new dentist.

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 however, regrettably, a number have told us that they intend to opt out from April 1.

"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 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 April 1."

Leeds NW PCT says that all dental practices that provided NHS services between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005 have been offered new NHS contracts of at least the same value, with an increase for inflation.

And it claims that across Leeds 108 of a total of 138 practices have said they want to accept the new contract.

If a dentist does decide to opt out of the NHS then the funding for those services will now, for the first time, pass back to the PCT to be used to provide an alternative service.

A spokesman for Leeds NW PCT said: "We are in the advance stages of negotiation with a number of NHS dentists keen to increase the number of patients they care for, or set up new practices, and are confident that we will be able to re-provide any services that are lost as dentists go private."

A freephone advice line has been set up to answer any questions people have about NHS dentistry and to compile a database of people looking for an NHS dentist. The number is 0800 298 5787.