Free dental check-up scheme revealed
THOUSANDS of people who have not been to see a dentist for the past two years are being offered the chance to have a free check-up in January.
James Hore
THOUSANDS of people who have not been to see a dentist for the past two years are being offered the chance to have a free check-up in January.
NHS North East Essex is launching the initiative - thought to be the first of its kind nationally - which includes a free check-up and follow-up. A number of dentists have signed up already.
Kathy Flegg, from the primary care trust, said she was hoping for a positive response to the offer.
She said: “One of our key objectives is to target people who have not been to a see a dentist in the past 24 months to provide them with the necessary treatment so they are dentally fit.
“Our 'free January' campaign is a national first and we hope as many people as possible take advantage of the offer.”
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People who haven't seen a dentist for at least 24 months will be able to phone a hotline from early next month to book their space.
If records confirm their non-attendance, they will be sent a letter and voucher and invited to contact one of the participating dentists for their free check-up and follow-up.
The trust is also organising street dentist events where impromptu check-ups will be on offer at public venues in Clacton, Dovercourt and Colchester during the last two weeks of January.
The initiative is set to be followed in February with a two-week “blitz” targeting students, when dental teams will be visiting Essex University and Colchester Institute with the same offer for all students.
Anyone who hasn't been in the past two years but has an appointment booked should contact 0300 130 3022 to see if they can still qualify.
n NHS North East Essex has commissioned two extra dental practices in Colchester to take on new patients as from January 5.
They are Prettygate Dental Practice (01206 577664) and The Zen Clinic (01206 762 417).
