 The diploma will train students to carry out simple procedures |
A new course is training students to carry out simple dental procedures in an attempt to take the pressure off overworked dentists in Lancashire. It is thought that up to 60% of adults and 48% of children in the county are not registered with a dental practice.
Doctor Gary Whittle, a consultant on dental health in the area, says the new course will help overworked dentists.
The Combined Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy will teach students to carry out simple extractions.
Widespread concern
The course is run by the University of LIverpool.
Dr Whittle said: "This scheme will enable nurses to become dental therapists.
"They can do simple work like fillings and extractions leaving dentists to carry out more complicated procedures."
There has been widespread concern that millions of people are unable to obtain dental care on the NHS as dentists opt to concentrate on better-paid private work.
This has led to difficulties finding an NHS dentist.
In Scarborough recently, hundreds queued for hours to get onto the books of a new health service dentist.
One-Minute World News 
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