NEW contracts being offered to local dentists could spell the end of the road for treatment on the National Health Service in Evesham, it was warned this week.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is one of only two PCTs in the country to issue contracts demanding that dentists treat all patients the same - either privately or as NHS clients.

But Tim Westwood, co-owner of CB and TP Westwood dental practice in Evesham warned the policy of non-discriminatory care could backfire on patients throughout the area.

Dentists began de-registering adults last September after a year-long government-backed study of their performance and payments.

However, they were obliged to continue to offer treatment to children and exempt adults on the NHS.

The latest contracts drawn up by the PCT means they can no longer continue to do this and must either treat all patients under the NHS or as private clients.

A survey of 120 dental practices carried out by a national newspaper last week found that almost seven out of 10 dentists might quit the NHS when new Government reforms come in force, a view shared by Mr Westwood.

He said: "There are all sorts of problems with this new contract and many practitioners have reservations over it. We have reservations over how it will work over the next few months or year. I don't think you'll find anyone who will stay with the NHS."

One of the concerns he has highlighted is the feeling that the PCT have pushed many NHS dentists into signing the contract.

Mr Westwood went onto to explain that although his practice could work with the new contract he felt the lack of negotiation between the PCT and the General Dental Practice Committee - part of the British Dental Association - meant the contract would come into place without any pilot scheme to test reaction.

The PCT earlier this month sent out new contracts to all 38 local dental practices which provide NHS services. The contract is based on a national model that is currently being used in Leeds.

Head of performance management Sarah Collins from the PCT said she felt very optimistic about the new contract.

She said: "I think the impact of the new arrangement will get dental practices treating families on the NHS and dental practices treating all patients privately. There will be a division in South Worcestershire but we are very optimistic."