A new dental practice is opening in Accrington, Lancashire very shortly. The great news is the practice is offering 5000 NHS places.
NHS dentistry has suffered a lot in recent years with many practitioners leaving only to continue offering private treatment. This new practice appears to be breaking the trend, which can only be good news, especially when it’s realised Accrington has suffered from a lack of dentists for quite some time.
The new practice is the result of two dentists, Stefanos Thomaidis and business partner Craig Farrell winning a PCT tender. The East Lancashire PCT said it was undertaking a drive to increase NHS dentistry in the area. This new practice should be one of a number being created. For instance, it is hoped to create a further 10,000 NHS places in the Pendle area, while 3,500 places have already been allocated to NHS surgeries in Nelson, Colne and Barrowford, something that’s been happening over the last 12 months.
One of the partners, Stefanos Thomaidis already runs a cosmetic dentistry practice in Barnoldswick. He said he was very excited at this new venture. He told reporters: “The town is an area of need for NHS dentistry and we are really looking forward to opening up there.”
He added: “There will be four dental chairs and over 5,000 patients. The PCT went out to tender on this and we feel that it is a service that we would like to offer.”
Accrington is no stranger to new dental initiatives. It is already home to the Lancashire Dental Education Centre. The new practice will certainly be a welcome addition. It is hoped to be opened by the 1st April 2011.