Dental services in the region of Great Yarmouth and Waveney are set to be boosted by an additional £1.4m investment by the NHS .
Speaking at a PCT board meeting last week, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney said the cash will be used to open a new NHS practice in Southwold and increase dental capacity in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Some of the investment will also be used to launch a specialist orthodontic service in the area.
The Southwold practice will employ three dentists who will cater for around 4,500 patients each year, while existing dental services in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth will see annual capacity increased at by around 4,000 and 3,000 patients respectively.
Mike Stonard, chief executive of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said the extra investment is "extremely good news" for all the residents of Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
He commented: "Although we already have one of the best records in the country for the number of patients able to access an NHS dentist, we are keen to improve still further."
"This extra money underlines our commitment to making sure that everyone who wishes to can use this important service as and when they need it and, for many people, will also make NHS dental care available closer to their homes."
"The appointment of a new orthodontic specialist will also make a huge difference to people living in the area by helping to reduce waiting times and improve access."
He added: "We are now in the process of finalising arrangements for the launch of these new facilities, and will publicise details of opening dates and how people can make an appointment as soon as we can."
