A GAPING hole in NHS dentist provision across Oxfordshire is well on the way to being filled, claim health officials.

The number of people who were unable to get an appointment with a health service dentist had reached crisis point in 2007, with only around a third of the county’s practices taking on new patients.

But now, thanks to a £2m investment by NHS Oxfordshire, thousands more patients are getting check-ups and treatment.

In February 2007, only 12 of the 23 dentists in Oxford were taking on new patients – but that figure has now risen to 15.

Of the 85 NHS practices across the whole of Oxfordshire, only 27 had the capacity to take on new patients in February 2007.

That number has been increased to 42, with more work planned for next year.

In December 2007, 278,710 Oxfordshire patients were seen by an NHS dentist, but by October of this year that number had risen to 301,109.

Nicky Wadely, deputy head of primary care services at NHS Oxfordshire, said the county’s dental services were the best they had been for years.

She added: “Oxford itself has always been relatively well provided for.

“But we have seen a significant improvement in provision across the whole of Oxfordshire.

“We’ve still got some work to do in areas such as Wantage and we are looking to do this in 2010.

“But it’s a lot easier to see a NHS dentist than many people expect.”

NHS Oxfordshire said it had increased the number of patients being seen by extending existing capacity and commissioning new services.

New services have been commissioned at the Leys Health Centre, which opened in August, and the new Banbury Health Centre.

Demand has also been met by expansion and refurbishment of 18 other practices across the county.

Lucy Brown, 32, from Banbury, said she used to have to drive to Derby to be treated by an NHS dentist, but has now found a surgery near her home.

She said: “I am from Derby and I have had the same dentist since I was little, so when I realised there were no dentists around here, I just carried on with them.

“But last year I signed up to a local dentist and I’m much happier.

“They seem to be really making an effort to sort it out.”

NHS Oxfordshire has launched a telephone number and an email service for people to check where their nearest surgery is.

The NHS Oxfordshire helpline is on 0800 011 3824 or information is also available by sending an email to dental@oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk