DENTAL hygienists are being trained to fill and extract teeth as part of a revolution in North-East dentistry.

Suzanne Oliver, 47, is one of three therapists to graduate as a new type of dental therapist from Newcastle Dental School.

It is believed she and her colleagues are among the first of a new breed of dental staff in the region.

A former hygienist, she will carry out treatments such as fillings and extractions, which previously could only be carried out by a dentist. The move is part of efforts to increase public access to NHS dentists.

While the North-East still has strong NHS dental services, there have been places such as Scarborough, in North Yorkshire, Durham, York and Easington, in County Durham, where it can be difficult to find an NHS dentist.

Ms Oliver has been supported in her training by Newcastle Primary Care Trust, which runs the city's community dental service.

Clinical director Dianne Tabari said: "By having Suzanne in post, the dentists will now have more time to treat more complex cases and help ease the dentists' workload.

"Everyone within the community dental service is really proud of Suzanne's achievements."

Ms Oliver said: "I was a dental hygienist for six years and wanted to make this move to develop my career.

"My course was challenging and I am now finding my new role exciting and stimulating. I hope to continue my professional development further."