A BUDE dental practice has announced that, due to increased investment, it is able to treat many more NHS patients.

Contrary to the popular perception of long waiting lists and chronic under-provision, Oasis Dental Care in Bude says it has NHS appointment slots available.

"There's a popular belief that it's impossible to access NHS dental treatment but it's simply not true here," said Hanna Hovorkova, dentist at the Oasis practice at April Lodge, Stratton Road, Bude.

"Given the increasingly clear link between dental health and general health there is an urgent need to ensure people who need NHS treatment are made aware of the capacity that exists locally."

Figures released by the NHS Information Centre show that in England 30.8 per cent of children and 51.1 per cent of adults have not seen an NHS dentist in the last two years.

"Many people falsely believe they have to be on an NHS list in order to get NHS treatment," said Hanna, which may partly explain why fewer people are using the NHS.

"A few years ago, when NHS dental practices still operated a list, the opening of a new NHS dentist would spark a local panic and huge queues would form outside the practice," she said.

"The lists have gone, however, the perception is that if you didn't get your name down when a practice opened you won't be able to access dental treatment on the NHS — this just isn't the case anymore.

"There are a number of factors which prevent people from enjoying the very best dental health.

"Lack of perceived access to an NHS dentist and anxiety about treatment itself are the main reasons why people neglect their teeth. We are keen to ensure that local residents are aware of the NHS places available at our practice and can benefit from the preventive dental care we offer in a relaxed and friendly environment.

"All people need to do is drop in or give us a call and we'll be happy to make them an NHS appointment."