A bus advertising campaign aims to drive home the message that it’s a lot easier to see an NHS dentist than people expect.

Access to NHS dental care is being advertised on buses across Bradford and Airedale as part of an awareness campaign to encourage more local people to find an NHS dentist.

Adverts with the message: “It’s a lot easier to see a local NHS dentist than you might think – and it’s getting easier every day” have been put on 40 buses.

NHS Bradford and Airedale says latest figures show its plan to improve access to NHS dentistry is working.

In March 2006, 274,000 people visited a dentist in the previous two years. By September 2009 that number had risen to almost 286,000 – a four per cent increase.

In the last 18 months three new practices have opened, with a fourth set to open soon in Manningham, near Bradford City Football Club.

The extra dental places mean that the PCT no longer has a list of people waiting to be offered a dental appointment.

Catherine Thatcher, deputy director of primary care at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Everyone should look after their teeth and get regular dental care and with more dentists taking on patients, it really is easier to book an appointment than most people think.

“The practices on nhs.uk all take on new patients from time to time. Sometimes people may have to wait until new places become available at the practice of their choice, or choose a practice further from their home, but dental care is available in the district.”

People can also call the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on: 01274 237555 for help and advice with finding an NHS dentist.

For patients who have dental emergencies but do not have their own dentist, there is an unscheduled dental care service which ensures that everyone in the district can get emergency dental care in a community setting when they need it.

When patients call the service on 0845 1203 200 they will be given advice and, if appropriate, an appointment will be made to deal with the problem.