AN investigation into NHS dental treatment access in the county has been launched as a result of fears that too many dentists are going into private practice.

Concerns about dental services were first raised during early meetings of a recently-formed working group of councillors, which has been set up to develop a new health watchdog system for Worcestershire.

The body, which is made up of representatives from the county council and the six district councils, has decided to concentrate on dental provision during the next few months.

Coun Nancy Doyle, the member for Hallow and Grimley who represents Malvern Hills District Council on the working group, said dental care made up a very essential part of our health.

"Worcestershire has one of the best records in the whole country when it comes to fighting tooth decay in children and we want to keep it that way," she said.

"That is why we shall be carrying out a study to find out what NHS services are available, whether anyone is missing out and whether there is any difference between services in rural and urban areas."

The new health scrutiny system has been set up as part of the Government's local government modernisation programme.

Councils are now expected to represent the views and interests of people over a wider field.

It gives them the chance to ensure that all local people are getting the health services they need and want.

Dr John Renshaw, chairman of the executive board of the British Dental Association, said last year that dentists and patients felt left out in the cold by successive governments.

"Despite the access problems in parts of the country, dentistry remains one of the NHS's best used services," he said.

"But it is under threat because dentists are frustrated by working within a clapped out and under-funded service in which they struggle to give the quality of care patients deserve."

The results of the survey are expected to be ready for April.