TWO Polish dentists are easing the pain of a dental crisis in Malvern after being flown in early this year to fill

the gap.

And they are due to take on 6,000 extra patients to crown a turnaround in dental provision in the town.

They have been working at the Dental Access Centre in Osborne Road for the past month or so and Alan McMichael, consultant in dental health for Worcestershire, said they had done much to improve treatment for patients.

The decision to employ the pair was made by South Worcestershire Primary Care after thousands of people were left without anyone to look after their teeth when a dental practice gave NHS bosses less than a week's notice it was going private.

"I believe they're doing very well and I've met them on a number of occasions," said Mr McMichael.

"I suspect it hasn't solved the problem but then we never did claim it would. However it's a step in the right direction,"

The Polish dentists arrived in the country in January and since then have undergone training in the British dental system before starting work last month.

Mr McMichael said one of them would remain at the access centre while the other is destined for a new surgery development in Malvern, which will accommodate another 3,000 NHS patients.

It was originally anticipated to be ready for Easter but Mr McMichael said it would probably not now be up and running until June.

Further plans for another two new NHS practices are also in the pipeline. Health chiefs have already identified premises for one and are in the process of applying for planning permission, but they are still looking for a building to house the other.

Together, they should be able to take on an additional 6,000 patients.

"Certainly, when we get the next development, that will start to make a real difference," said Mr McMichael.

"We're just trying to rebuild this - it's not going to be like throwing a switch, it's more of a progressive situation."

If you live in Malvern and have a story to tell, call your local reporter Joby Mullens on 01905 742252.