UK - The PCT is also exploring the possibility of water fluoridation.

11,000 new patients to be given dentist access
1:19pm Tuesday 12th August 2008
By Brian Gomm »
ELEVEN thousand new patients are to be given access to NHS dentists.
Dental services are to be improved in the most deprived areas of the borough, including Leigh and Atherton, and two new practices are to open later in the year.
The Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust has commissioned existing NHS dental practices in almost every area across the borough to open their books to a limited number of new patients And soon the PCT will be seeking the views of residents on how to mould NHS dental services to meet their needs.
They want to know the areas where patients have most difficulty in accessing or obtaining registration with a dental practice and also views on whether existing opening hours meet the needs of patients.

The PCT is also exploring the possibility of water fluoridation.

Chief executive Peter Rowe said: “We are working hard to improve access to NHS dental services and are investing heavily in this key area. The views that we get back from local people will also help us to shape further plans and investment.

“Additionally, water fluoridation is one possible intervention to improve dental health but there is a lot to consider. We will reflect on the report from the joint committee in the light of our oral health strategy and decide whether we wish to consider the matter further.”