THE problem of East Lancashire's acute shortage of dentists is being tackled with the introduction of two new NHS dentists.

It is hoped £163,602 made available from the Department of Health to fund the dentists and their equipment will help get to the root of the overwhelming issue that has plagued the area for many years.

One dentist is likely to be based at St Nicholas's Health Centre in Burnley with the other vacancy yet to be determined.

A recent survey for the Government's performance indicators revealed local five-year-olds had an average of 2.6 teeth decayed, filled or missing, compared with a national average of 1.4.

But the problem has also affected adults, with many struggling to find a dentist, whether NHS or private.

Locally, just 45 per cent of the population is registered with a dentist, compared with 49 per cent nationally. Figures in January showed there were 159 dentists in East Lancashire in 82 practices with just 17 practices prepared to take on new NHS cases.

That number dwindled to 14 within two months, although the figure is constantly changing.

One problem health bosses face is attracting dentists to the area if they do not train locally, while the shortage has been heightened by practices going private, claiming demand and a lack of cash was affecting their ability to treat patients.

But the investment boost has been welcomed by David Peat, Chief Executive of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust.

He said: "This is very welcome news for the people living here. We are delighted to receive this money to enable the PCT to employ two extra NHS dentists and so improve the availability of dental services to the people in this area."

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has been campaigning for more to be done and has raised the issue in the House of Commons, prompting a leading government expert to visit the area.