MORE than 5,000 patients will benefit from a new state-of-the-art NHS dentist's surgery that has opened in Pershore.

The practice, run by Oasis Dental Care, opened at 133 High Street yesterday, near the new community hospital site.

It is great news for the patients who lost out in April 2006 when more than half of the dentists in south Worcestershire stopped providing NHS dental care.

The dentists refused to sign new contracts which would have paid them per patient rather than for the work carried out, leaving 35,000 patients in the region without access to NHS treatment.

Dr Bryan Smith, chairman of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, officially opened the new practice along with Coun Jean Dowty, chairman of Wychavon District Council.

Dr Smith said: "We are particularly delighted to be in the position to offer Pershore patients the replacement NHS dental access they lost in 2006.

"We have worked in partnership with Wychavon District Council and the new owners to develop the state-of-the-art premises. Apart from Pershore, the company will also be opening at 29 St Mary's Street, Worcester, this month with a contract from the Primary Care Trust."

If a patient from the town wants to join the practice, which has three dentists, and they haven't already spoken to the PCT, they are asked to give their details to the dental helpline on 01905 760111. Patients will not be able to get an appointment by turning up at the practice.