Need a dental check? Bad luck

The shocking state of the NHS dental service has been highlighted by new figures showing that Britain has fewer dentists than almost any other country in the developed world. The Government admits there are "some areas" of the country where access to an NHS dentist is "very difficult".

I decided to find out for myself by trying to book an NHS check-up at one of 10 local practices. The first nine I tried would only see me privately. The 10th agreed to see me on the NHS - but not until November 2005! Everyone has a right to be seen by an NHS dentist but, as my little survey revealed, exercising that right may prove tricky. To find your nearest NHS dentist visit the NHS Direct website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or ring 0845 46 47. And good luck - you'll need it.