Essex has received interim funding of £1.5m to boost access to dental services across the county.
More choice, improved access and better quality dental care have been promised by Essex Strategic Authority for people in the county, following dentistry reforms announced by the Government.
Dr Mark Shackell, dental lead at the health authority, said, "Patients can look forward to accessing even better, modernised dental services with local dentists benefiting from the new working contract.
"Most people in Essex can access a dentist when they need to, but the immediate cash boost will help to ease the areas where there is extreme pressure on services.
"The funding will be used to expand capacity in existing practices and set up new practices. The number of dentists in Essex will also increase year on year to meet increased demand for local NHS dental services.
"We are working closely with NHS Primary Care Organisations, local Dental Committees and Essex dentists to make the improvements, plan services and guarantee that there is capacity to meet future dental demands. "
Published Monday July 26, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article