DENTISTS are concerned that health bosses have back-tracked over funding for treating children on the NHS. We would beg to differ - from where we're standing it seems to be not so much a U-turn, rather a case of moving the goalposts.

There is no doubt in our minds that South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust's long-term agenda is to put increasing pressure on practitioners to start building up the number of NHS clients on their books. This is why the PCT will not accept contracts that are restricted to the treatment of children and adults who are exempt from patient charges. Health chief Paul Bates has admitted as much, telling our reporter that the PCT's aim is to ensure everyone has access to NHS treatment. This is all very laudable.

Nevertheless, our concern is that the children could be caught in the crossfire. Today's youngsters, many of whom exist on a diet of junk food and sweets, arguably need dental health care more than ever. If a solution that is satisfactory to both sides cannot be achieved, the slow fuse to a future dental timebomb could now be starting to smoulder.

This newspaper is not happy with the relentless drift away from NHS dental provision. It has occurred before our very eyes, politicians of all persuasions having sat back and allowed it to happen. Already, there are many people who simply cannot afford the fees of private care and are therefore going untreated.

Nevertheless, children must have dental care - and that's why a solution must somehow be found.