The first of three new NHS dental practices planned for the district has opened its doors.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer unveiled a plaque at the new Mornington Street Dental Centre in Keighley, yesterday.

Staffed by two dentists, a dental therapist and dental nurses, it will provide NHS dental care for more than 5,000 patients living in the town, including postcode areas BD20, BD21 and BD22.

Appointments have already been made for patients registered on a central dental database held by Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust.

Helen Hirst, director of service development at the tPCT, said: “I’m really proud to be opening the doors of a new dental practice which will give hundreds more people access to NHS dentistry.

“This is only the first of three new developments which will improve the availability of NHS dentistry right across the district – making it easier for people to get the care they need and improve their oral health for the long-term.”

The Keighley practice will be run by Whitecross Dental Care Ltd which already provides NHS dental services from its other practice in Keighley.

A company spokesman said: “We’re delighted to be opening this new NHS dental facility in Keighley, in conjunction with Bradford and Airedale tPCT.

“We are sure the practice will greatly improve access to an NHS dentist for the local population.”

The practice will be open from Monday to Saturday and as well as providing routine treatment, it will also advise patients on all aspects of oral health.

It is the first of three new NHS practices to open in the Bradford district as part of a major investment programme in NHS dentistry by Bradford and Airedale tPCT.

The NHS trust is investing an extra £1.5million annually to set up and maintain the three surgeries, which will, over time, provide on-going preventative NHS dental care to up to 15,000 people living in the district.

A practice at Ilkley, to be run by Genesis Dental Care, is due to open in March, and the Bradford practice will open in June once a site has been agreed with the tPCT. It will be run by Alan McGlaughlin of ‘Dentistry @’.

Patients who want to register with the Mornington Street Dental Centre should call (01274) 237555.