A FEAR of dentists is putting people's oral health at risk according the health experts in Lincolnshire.
Di Pegg of Lincolnshire NHS Primary Care Trust said: "Despite NHS Lincolnshire investing in the region of nearly six million pounds in increasing NHS dental services across the county, people are not rushing to take up the new places available.
"F
ear of the dentist has been identified as one of the key reasons behind slow NHS dental uptake in Lincolnshire.
"A survey conducted for National Smile Month found that despite treatment today being pain free, one in five people avoid the dentist not because of the cost or lack of NHS provision but because they are too scared.
"Many of the new NHS dentists are advising they do have the capacity to take on more patients with some practices reporting up to 2,000 vacancies."
She added: "NHS dental services are available in Boston, Gainsborough, Gosberton, Lincoln, Market Rasen, Skegness, Sleaford and Spalding. Urgent care for patients who are not included on a practice list is available at Dental Access Centres around the county.
"There is absolutely no need for anyone to fear the dentist."
*Anyone wanting information about NHS dentists in Lincolnshire should call the NHS dental helpline on 01522 515386, Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm.
*Are you happy with the availability of NHS dental care in the Sleaford area? Write with your views to Editor, Sleaford Standard, 28 Handley Street, Sleaford NG34 7TQ, or email john.lavery@jpress.co.uk
