NHS Leeds is pleased to announce that following the award of new dental contracts in September, extra NHS dental places are now available.

There are 10,000 additional places in the Holt Park, Oakwood and Garforth areas and another 10,000 places will be made available over the coming months. People can register for an NHS dentist by ringing the Dental Advice Line on 0800 298 5787.

Since the Leeds Dental Advice Line was launched it has helped secure an NHS dentist for over 85,000 patients in Leeds. Last year alone 28,000 people registered with an NHS dentist through the service.

Steve Laville, Head of Dental Contracts for NHS Leeds says: “We want to dispel the myth that there aren’t enough dental places in Leeds and surrounding areas. We are committed to securing high-quality NHS dental care for people and want to make sure that those people who want access to an NHS dentist are able to do so. Along with the 10,000 additional places in Holt Park, Oakwood and Garforth, NHS Leeds is encouraging anyone who requires a dentist to contact the Dental Advice Line.”

NHS Leeds also wants to highlight the health problems that can develop as a result of poor dental hygiene and why it is important to go for regular dental check ups. NHS Leeds is keen to encourage more people living in Leeds to take greater care over their oral health and register with an NHS dentist.

Dr Shahid Anwar, Consultant in Dental Public Health for NHS Leeds adds: “For many people it is difficult to make the connection between poor oral health and their overall health. It is often the case that people’s diets change as a result of oral conditions such as gum infections and this can often have more serious consequences.

“The most effective way of ensuring good dental health is by:
• brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste;
• limiting intake of alcohol, sugary foods and drinks;
• avoiding the use of tobacco; and
• going for routine dental check ups as advised by a dental care professional.”

The Leeds Dental Advice Line is available from Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm) on freephone 0800 298 5787. Alternatively people can register online at www.nhsleeds.nhs.uk/patients