PATIENTS without an NHS dentist in the Mid Devon area are to get a helping hand to find dental care services to combat the problems presented by not receiving regular examinations. Mid Devon Primary Care Trust is launching a new scheme to make it easier and quicker for unregistered patients to find a new dentist. Previously patients had to contact individual practices to see if they had vacancies. However, they can now write or e-mail the trust with their details, and these will be forwarded automatically when places become available, which health bosses hope will dramatically speed up the registration process. Ann Bond, Mid Devon PCT?s head of primary care, said the aim was to make it as easy as possible for patients to register. ?The number of patients registered with an NHS dentist in Mid Devon compares favourably with other areas,? she said. ?But we are always trying to find ways to go that little bit further. ?Creating a central point of contact will make it far more convenient for dentists and patients alike ? and should increase the number of people able to see a dentist.? There are 19 dental practices in the Mid Devon PCT catchment area, including a new surgery which opened in Crediton just a few months ago. The new service is an additional one - patients will still be able to contact individual practices if they wish to do so. Patients hoping to take advantage of the service are requested to write to Dentistry, Mid Devon PCT, Newcourt House, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7JU or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected] The trust is unable to accept applications made in person or by telephone. Unregistered patients who require emergency dental care can also be treated at the Dental Access Centre in Exeter.
