Residents in Bolton who do not have access to an NHS dentist may face a wait of up to three months for treatment because of a shortage of places, it has been revealed.
An investigation by local newspaper, The Bolton News, found that there are more than 2,000 patients on the waiting list for a NHS dentist in the town, and claim they will have to wait an average of two to three months before they can see one.
A spokesperson for NHS Bolton said that they are working hard to resolve the problem and that priority for dental places is being given to patients who have not seen a dentist over the last two years.
He said: "We recognise there is demand for dentists in Bolton. Significant investment has been made as part of our commitment to deliver year on year improvements in access to dental services ."
" Dental practices have recently been commissioned by us to see 750 more patients over the next two months, this is in addition to the 500 places to give to patients each month."
Bolton has a poor dental health record, especially among children. Figures for 2007 and 2008 show that the average five-year-old had 1.91 missing, decayed or filled teeth - compared to the national average of 1.11.
