CONGRATULATIONS to the NHS on your 70th birthday - it is a truly outstanding institution that touches all our lives. Free to everyone at the point of service.

Not so for NHS dentists. A few years ago there was an increase in NHS dentists going private. At the time me and my family changed dentists twice and I remember many patients were struggling to find a place with a NHS provider.

The Government said there would be enough places for everyone and things did settle down. Well here we go again. I was recently informed by my dentist they were going private and the reason was that the funding provided by the Government was insufficient to provide a proper service.

Yes, I could have signed up to pay but there are five of us and it goes against the grain somewhat.

Upon inquiring at three other NHS dentists, one was going private, and two had full books. This scenario must be happening to many others like ourselves.

Why is the dentistry side of the NHS different to other areas with the service?

Andrew Bell

Crook