A MALVERN dental surgery will be offering places to an extra 200 NHS patients from Monday.

Parsons Dental Care, on Worcester Road, will be opening its books to local people on a first-come, first-served basis.

The move follows the arrival of newly qualified dentist Donna Judge.

Miss Judge, from Droitwich, joined the practice in August and has recently signed a contract to remain until August 2006.

Rupert Parsons, who runs the practice with his wife, said they were delighted to welcome her.

"While we've got the opportunity to take on a keen, young graduate I think it's nice to be able to benefit those who need us most," he said.

The news that the practice is taking on more NHS patients is likely to generate a huge response from local people.

Local dental services were thrown into chaos in October when Buckingham House surgery, in Graham Road, told its 5,000 NHS patients to join a private dental plan or go elsewhere.

The nearest dental practice then accepting NHS patients was 20 miles away in Droitwich.

The situation prompted South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to recruit two new dentists from Poland, who are due to start work at Malvern Dental Access Centre shortly.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Miss Judge, who spent five years training in Birmingham, said she was enjoying getting to know Malvern.

"Malvern's a lovely place and all the patients I've got so far have been great," she said,

"I particularly enjoy treating children and that's something I'd like to increase when we take on our new patients.

"I'm just really looking forward to meeting everyone."

Those interested in registering with Parsons Dental Care will need to pay an initial fee of £39.45 for a private consultation to assess their suitability for NHS care. They will then have the option of taking up private or NHS care at the practice. Call 01684 574131.