Have you made a date with a dentist?

DENTISTS in Leicester want to brush away myths about NHS dentistry – in a bid to encourage thousands of local people to access dental services.

NHS Leicester City has invested £2 million from its dental budget to make it easier than ever before for people to see an NHS dentist.

A campaign has been launched to raise awareness of those dental surgeries offering NHS treatment and to challenge the misconception it is hard to find an NHS dentist in Leicester.

Staff from NHS Leicester City’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) will be signposting people to those dentists accepting new patients via a dedicated dental line, 0116 295 7017.

The campaign also aims to make dental charges clearer so patients who pay for NHS treatment understand potential costs.

Toby Sanders, NHS Leicester City’s Director of Primary and Community Care, said: “There is a belief it’s difficult to find an NHS dentist but in Leicester this is no longer true.

“We’ve invested in dental services to make it easier than ever before for people to get an appointment. There are dozens of dentists across the city waiting to see NHS patients and we want people to take advantage of this.

“Lots of people think they need to register with a dentist and go a set number of times a year to stay with them. This is a myth. There is no need to register with a dentist and they will tell you how often you need to see them based on your needs. Call us to find out about dentists near to you taking on NHS patients.”

Dentist Philip Martin is chair of Leicestershire and Rutland Local Dental Committee and has a dental practice in Winchester Avenue, Leicester. He said: “There are many high quality NHS dentists available to people in Leicester and as local dentists we are all keen to support good oral health.  We are sure this campaign will encourage people to make an appointment now and to continue to see a dentist regularly in the future.

“We particularly want to see people who haven’t been to see an NHS dentist for some time, back in our practices. Visiting your dentist before problems develop is the best way to avoid costly bills and potentially painful problems in the future.”

For more information call NHS Leicester City’s dental line on 0116 295 7017 or visit www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/dentists

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•