Some dental clinics in the region are 'going private'

The shortage is so severe in some counties nearly 90% of practices' books are closed to new NHS patients.

Norfolk dentist Susan Allen said her rural clinic in Loddon was leaving the NHS, overwhelmed by patients and unable to recruit new staff.

She said some patients had to wait six months for fillings and one surgery was unused as they could not recruit.

NHS dental treatment is much cheaper than private care.

Dental practices accepting new NHS patients in Jan 2004 NORFOLK: of 133 practices 55 have open books, 78 have closed lists ESSEX : of 251 practices, 143 have open books (some may be restricted), 108 have closed lists SUFFOLK: of 104 practices, 30 have open books, 74 have closed lists CAMBS: of 105 practices, 33 have open books, 72 closed NORTHANTS: of 67 practices, 9 have open books, 58 closed BEDFORDSHIRE: of 85 practices, 49 have open books, 36 closed HERTFORDSHIRE: of 212 practices, 182 have open books (some may be restricted), 30 have closed lists

In the Loddon practice the price of a basic NHS check-up is just under �6. Private patients pay �20 and get more time in the chair.

But in some counties, it is hard for new patients to get an NHS appointment.

In Cambridgeshire 69% of practices have restricted or closed NHS lists and in Suffolk the figure is 71%.

Richard Ward, of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority, said: "Obviously we would like all dentists to be able to accept NHS patients, but we have to accept that we do unfortunately have a shortage of dentists.

"Dentists' lists become full, and clearly they can take no more patients."

Control of budgets

In Northamptonshire practices with restricted or closed NHS lists are up to 87%.

The county has two emergency centres for people who are not registered at a practice. A third is due to open, but the health authority is having problems recruiting staff.

But there is some hope for the future. In April 2005, primary care trusts will have control of budgets so they can commission services in their area and experts believe this could make a real difference.

Until the changes come into force, the advice to patients who are not registered is to call NHS Direct - and take good care of your teeth.