FURTHER to Mr Lawson's letter regarding the Aldwark Dental Practise, I feel that he has been exceptionally lucky to receive an efficient and courteous service from this practice (November 3).

My young daughter and myself have been refused an appointment for our regular check-ups, not because of any great time lapse between them, as we always go regularly and ring well in advance, but because of the lack of staff.

When I contacted the practise in July, I was told that there was only one dentist practising as the other two had left, there was no possibility of an appointment then or in the foreseeable future.

The practise manager could do nothing to help and agreed that the situation was appalling, stating there was nothing further she could do and told me to get in touch with my MP.

However a relation of the family, whom again was registered with one of the retiring dentists, has managed to get an appointment with a new dentist, hassle free.

How is the dental practice selecting who should and should not be transferred and receive appointments? Does it depend on the tone of voice, amount of complaining and age of patient? I have had no further communication from the Aldwark Dental Practice, advising of additional dentists joining, or a change in circumstances.

There was no offer of a letter of apology, and am disgusted that we can be turned away through no fault of our own. I feel especially upset that my daughter, who is 12, has no dentist.

Carol Dickinson,

Gladstone Street,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:00 Monday, November 08, 2004