AN NHS dental practice which will benefit around 6,000 patients is to open in Tavistock next month, as a new building development at West Devon Borough Council?s Kilworthy Park offices reaches an important stage. The old council chamber has been refurbished to provide the new surgery, which opens on December 10, to meet the needs of West Devon residents who do not have access to an NHS dentist. The initiative is part of a £3.9-million self-financing business project at the council offices, which will also see new offices to rent, improved meeting areas for the community, a conference suite and a ?one-stop shop? for West Devon people. The full development is expected to be completed in Summer 2008. The council has worked with the Devon Primary Care Trust to provide the new dental service which will enable 6,000 patients to register in the first instance with a capacity to take further clients in the future. Cllr James McInnes, Leader of West Devon Council said: ?This is a great day for those people in West Devon who have been unable to access an NHS dentist and the council is very proud that we have been able to improve the community?s well being in such an innovative way.? The new dental practice is being managed by Associated Dental Practices (ADP). Devon Primary Care Trust has set up a central dental telephone line to assist patients looking for an NHS dentist. Anyone who wants to add their name to the list should call 0845 002 0034 and leave a message, including their name, address, contact details and date of birth. Patients who have already registered on an NHS waiting list locally do not need to call. Andrew Harris, of Devon Primary Care Trust who is responsible for dentistry in the county, also welcomed the move. ?It?s very good news for people in Tavistock and the surrounding area,? he said. ?Over the last 18 months or so, Devon PCT has found NHS dentists for 37,000 patients, and the opening of this practice means access to NHS dentistry in the town will be significantly improved. ?We will be passing the names of people who have been in touch with us to the practice and staff there will be in touch as soon as they are able.?