A councillor will promote Presteigne to all dental colleges in the UK

People in the town have been without a dentist for five years meaning some children have never had a check-up, according to the mayor.

The dearth of dentists was highlighted earlier this month when it was revealed that a Machynlleth practitioner would be shutting in May leaving more than 1,000 patients facing a 160 mile round trip for treatment.

Now health chiefs say the situation is likely to get worse with another two Powys dentists due to retire soon.

A purpose-built surgery at a Presteigne has already received planning permission in an effort to try to get a dentist to relocate there.

We've got children aged eight or nine in this town who have never been to a dentist and that situation has got to change Peggy Fraser-Scott, Presteigne's Mayor

The town's former dentist had offered to return from Cornwall to set up the practice but has now changed his mind, said Presteigne's mayor Peggy Fraser-Scott.

"We badly need a dentist in Presteigne because we haven't had one here for about five years," she said.

"We've got children aged eight or nine in this town who have never been to a dentist and that situation has got to change," she added.

At present, Presteigne residents are forced to travel 20 miles to Builth Wells for their nearest dentist or else 15 miles across the English border to Leominster.

Presteigne county councillor Garry Banks said he would now write to all the dental colleges in the UK to promote Presteigne and try and attract newly qualified practitioners.

'Particular issues'

"There is still a financial incentive for dentists to come to Wales which doesn't happen in England which could be in our favour," said Mr Banks.

Powys Local Health Board confirmed three dentists will be leaving soon. Two are retiring, and the other, in Machynlleth, has decided to return to his native Ireland.

"We are actively seeking replacements and are currently working hard to appoint," said a spokesman.

"The difficulty in recruiting dentists is not unique to Powys but we do recognise that there are particular issues surrounding access to services facing people living in rural communities."

The Welsh assembly has introduced a system of 'golden hellos' to try to alleviate the shortage.

"Eligible dentists may apply for a grant of �40,000 to establish new or expand existing practices in areas that have an unmet need for dental services," said an assembly spokesman.

"In certain areas, where grants have not attracted a new dentist, grants to a maximum of �50,000 may be made available on approval by the assembly."