I had reason today to contact my dentist's Udall and Page, High St, Pershore to try and change an appointment.

I was disappointed to be told that another appointment could not be offered, that is until after the practice goes private in March next Year.

Angry as I was to be told this, It was not a complete shock after recent concerns in the media about dental services and the new dental contracts.

However most staggering of all was that when enquiring with NHS Direct which dentists were signing NHS patients, I was advised that of the 25 dentists in this district no-one was signing patients.

I was given one telephone number for emergency treatment only. How this service will cope in the future is anyone's guess.

What is happening to dental services, we are i! t seems entitled through our taxes to NHS dental treatment, But Oh! Sorry the service is no longer available.

As the longest established dentist's in Pershore they must have many hundreds if not a thousand plus patients on their books.

Who I ask will care for those unable to afford private treatment, and I include myself and my family in the many who will not be able to afford it.

The government has sat back for years and watched this problem growing, and their recent meddlings, and new dentists contracts have only made matters worse.

This is a national as well as local scandal, I urge everyone affected to write to their MP, and copy the letters to The PM, and the Health Secretary. Only then will these people understand how serious this problem is.

Mrs G. Amphlett, Hurst Rd, Pershore, Worcestershire.