A WEST Devon dentist will be 'filling' an important role at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Chagford dentist Dr Sally-Anne Button has been selected to be one of the team of volunteer dentists who will care for the teeth of thousands of Olympic athletes at the 2012 London Games this summer.

Sally went through a rigorous selection process, and will take a three-week 'busman's holiday' to fulfil in the voluntary position.

Along with several other dentists, hygienists and nurses, Sally will be based at the Olympic Park in Stratford, in a newly built and equipped surgery. She will be one of the team working twelve hour shifts to ensure someone is on hand for any emergencies or urgent treatment so that the athletes can continue with their Olympic training regimes.

Sally said: 'I will be part of the team that undertakes the emergency cases so competitors can get back into the Games as soon as possible.

'Athletes, although in good shape physically, can sometimes neglect their teeth, leading to problems such as abscesses and gum disease.

'One major problem is dehydration and rehydration. Athletes use sugary, acidic drinks for rapid rehydration and this can have a major impact on their oral health.

'The kind of treatment we will be providing is likely to be temporary but the most important thing is to ensure the athletes are diagnosed and treated swiftly to ensure minimum discomfort and delay in both training and competing.'

Organisers are predicting at least 700 dental related incidents will have to be treated at the games.

Funding for the clinic will come from LOCOG, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Following the Olympics, the clinic will be taken over by the Newham Primary Care Trust as part of the Olympic Legacy.