A DENTAL practice in Worcester is believed to be the first on the world to adopt radical new equipment promising pain-free treatment in a bid to combat people's fears of the dentist.

Ray and Graham Steggles fear many of us are allowing our teeth to rot because we fear going to the dentist - and the pain we associate with it - so much so that we are avoiding it altogether.

They introduced revolutionary equipment called HealOzone, which offers a pain-free alternative to fillings, over a year ago and are set to go one step further and adopt new radical equipment called Photo-Activated Disinfection (PAD).

It is believed to be the first practice in the world to adopt such "pain-free" technology, that also stops tooth decay, as well as fighting gum disease.

It is hoped the technology will be introduced to NHS dental surgeries within the next two years.

The Steggles brothers, who are the joint proprietors of the Wharf Dental Practice, in the Old Corn Store, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester, are on a mission to change the image of dentistry and rid Worcestershire residents' fears of the dentist's chair.

They have designed their waiting area to look more like a living room, with beamed ceilings, comfy couches, and special relaxing lighting.

There is also a "menu of distractions" on the coffee table, which includes games such as a levitation challenge.