The National Health Service has long been losing dentists to the private sector since changes to practices' payments were introduced in 1992.

So, in 1999, Tony Blair pledged that everybody would be able to see an NHS dentist within two years.

But instead, the mass exodus continued and on Saturday, the situation got even worse.

Health chiefs in south Worcestershire revealed that 35,000 (26 per cent) of our 134,000 NHS patients will lose out on their provision after their dentists rejected new employment contracts.

What is even more despicable is that the many of these patients are children whose future oral health depends on regular check-ups.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust - which has taken over the funding of the new contracts - says it will now be taking immediate steps to replace the lost NHS dental capacity by re-commissioning new services in Malvern, Droitwich and Evesham.

But even if this does cater for the 35,000 new patients left without NHS care, what about the thousands of others who have steadily been losing out over the last 14 years?

Of course, those who can afford - and are prepared - to pay privately will be able to keep their pearly whites healthy.

But dentistry should not be for the privileged few - it is a necessity and a right that every taxpayer deserves.

The Government must ensure that money is put back into this vital service or it will surely pay the price at the ballot box.