MORE than 1,000 Chepstow area dental patients have contacted Monmouthshire Local Health Board about future NHS provision, in the wake of two town practices deciding to go private.

Boscobel House practice announced its decision in mid-February, with Fairlight practice following on last week - moves which leave around 17,000 patients, both adults and children, with no NHS cover.

The decisions are down to disagreements over a new General Dental Contract, to be introduced from April 1, under which Wales' 22 Local Health Boards (LHBs) become responsible for commissioning dental services in their areas.

The LHB set up a telephone hotline for patients after the Boscobel House decision.

Across Monmouthshire, NHS provision will be lost from four practices, the other two being in Monmouth, one due to a dentist's retirement.

Schoolchildren in Chepstow and Monmouth have been given a leaflet from the LHB to hand to parents, detailing the situation. LHB medical director Dr Laurence Hamilton-Kirkwood remains confident that replacement NHS cover will be found. He said negotiations for two new practices for Chepstow are "pretty well advanced".

"We have had lots of interest and it will not be a problem," he said. One of these practices could be based at the town's community hospital, and Dr Hamilton-Kirkwood said there is a possibility of new practices piloting some work with the elderly in the hospital and in care homes.

"We are also negotiating emergency dental sessions with some practices, for unregistered patients across Monmouthshire who might require emergency treatment," he said.

"There will also be additional public health input into primary schools."

Concerned patients may contact Monmouthshire LHB on 01600 710000. Those wishing to register with new NHS services in Chepstow, which should be available by the summer, should write providing name, address and telephone number to: Monmouthshire LHB, Singleton Court Business Park, Wonastow Road, Monmouth NP25 5JA; e-mail enquiries@monmouthshirelhb.wales.nhs.uk