Over 70,000 extra patients are being helped to see an NHS dentist thanks to £6m investment announced by NHS Surrey.

The extra cash will pay for increased capacity at NHS dentists across the county. Among the areas to benefit are Ashtead, Epsom, Ewell, Leatherhead and Tadworth.

NHS Surrey has also given grants totalling £800,000 to dentists across Surrey to improve the quality of services offered to NHS patients. Practices will use the money to enhance and upgrade infection control and hygiene equipment.

The additional investment means spending on dental services for Surrey residents is now more than £49million for 2009/10 Jonathan Perrott, dental lead at NHS Surrey, said: “Making it easier for patients to see an NHS dentist is a top priority for NHS Surrey.

“I’m delighted to announce that we’re investing £6million to help patients right across the county. The money will make it easier to see an NHS dentist for an extra 70,000 people.

“We’ve got dentists who are able to see new NHS patients right now, so if you’re looking for an NHS dentist ring the Surrey dental helpline on 0845 271 2040 to find out about dentists near you.”

The Surrey Dental Helpline, 0845 271 2040, is also the number to ring if patients need urgent care when their practice is closed. The helpline is staffed by trained professionals, including qualified dental nurses, who can offer advice and identify whether emergency treatment is needed.

They can arrange for callers to receive treatment quickly – and often on the same day.

The helpline was set up in 2006 and receives approximately 2,000 calls a month for information, advice, registration and requests for emergency treatment.

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