Many readers will know that in some areas it is getting more and more difficult to find dentists who offer treatment on the NHS.

As a result more people are having to pay for private treatment. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recently carried out an investigation into the area of private dentistry, and has just launched a campaign designed to help consumers ask the right questions when choosing dental care.

The OFT investigation revealed that there is a lack of basic information on prices and treatment options to enable consumers to make informed choices about which dental services - whether NHS or private - will best meet their needs.

Private dentistry is carried out by most dental practices including those that also provide NHS treatment. Where dentists have NHS-registered patients they are obliged to offer such treatment to meet all their clinical needs under the NHS. However, private dentistry offers some treatment not available on the NHS, such as cosmetic dentistry, and a wider choice of materials.

At the present time readers may find that they are no longer registered for NHS treatment if they have not seen a dentist in the last 15 months or, as is happening more and more, their dentist has de-registered them for some other reason such as to become a private-only practice.

The OFT's campaign is aimed specifically at helping people with information about their options.

To this end a new leaflet has been produced that offers basic advice on finding the right dentist, considering treatment options, choosing a payment option, making a complaint and changing your dentist. It also provides information about who to contact if you are having problems finding a dentist and a checklist of questions to ask any dentist you are considering registering with.

If you would like a copy of the Office of Fair Trading's new leaflet you can call at 9 St Leonard's Place, York.

Alternatively, phone City of York Trading Standards Consumer Advice Service on 01904 551562.

We can also help with information about pursuing a complaint against a dentist.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, July 17, 2003