RESIDENTS of an east Durham town have been promised improved access to NHS dentistry following the re-opening of a practice. town's Station Road practice.

Burgess and Hyder Dental Group have taken over the delivery of NHS services from the Seaham Practice on Station Road, Seaham, which is being re-opened by the town’s Mayoress Barbara Ramshaw today.

The group have 10 practices covering South Durham and Darlington, employing 25 dentists and 50 support staff.

Az Hyder, from Burgess and Hyder Dental Group said: "We are delighted to be providing improved access to NHS dentistry for people living in Seaham.

"We have many new staff joining us including Maxine Furley, a very experienced local dental practitioner."

"The practice on Station Road has quite a history; it was established in 1984 during the miner's strike and was a very busy practice during the 80s when it offered general dental services and general anaesthetic services for children and nervous patients."

He added: "We will be bringing new experienced dentists, oral health educators, hygienists and therapists to Seaham, to ensure that local people will be able to provide the very best in NHS dental care.

"As a practice, we specialise in delivering oral health to small communities and we are keen to establish strong links with local schools, to encourage children to visit the dentist from an early age."

David Landes, deputy director of public health for NHS County Durham and Darlington said: "We are delighted to be able to work with North-East practitioners to provide care for local people.

"Having services within our communities is essential to insure that everybody can get access to high quality dental services. Transport is a real barrier for many people so supporting the delivery of local services is essential."

For more information or to register as a patient, contact the Seaham Dental Health Centre at 98 Station Road, Seaham, SR7 0BTor contact 0191-5816104.