DR Rob Firth, one of the principals of the Firth and Bowden Dental Practice in Chorley Old Road, Bolton is celebrating after meeting exacting professional standards.

The practice, which has been part of a national trial for the past 12 months, has succeeded in becoming part of the national Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme -- a private dental scheme.

It is the first programme of its kind to have been approved by the Patients' Association.

Dr Firth said: "The programme has been specifically designed with patients in mind and will allow us to offer our patients a revolutionary approach to their dental care.

"As ambassadors of the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme the practice team has undertaken exclusive training to ensure we offer improved and effective communication and information to our patients."

He said they were especially enthusiastic about using the Oral Health Score system which gives patients a personal rating which can be re-assessed each visit.

He added: "The programme incorporates a number of elements including Patient Information Cards (written by the British Dental Association and approved by the Plain English Campaign) and patient surveys to allow us to obtain constant feedback to ensure the practice is meeting the needs of our patients."

About 200 practices throughout the country are part of the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme.