PATIENTS who forget to visit their dentist could soon be left looking for someone to fill the gap.

If they do not visit their dentist at least once in 15 months, patients would no longer be registered.

This would mean they would not automatically be entitled to receive NHS services until they re-registered.

A campaign highlighting changes to dental registration procedures has been launched by Wigan and Bolton Health Authority.

Health authority dental advisor, Val Baron, commented: "Most patients attend for regular dental check-ups every six months as recommended.

"They are automatically re-registered and therefore not always aware of this time limit." The authority is keen to encourage everyone to register with a dentist. Anyone not registered could find it difficult to get NHS treatment in an emergency.

Statistics show that the dental health record in Wigan and Bolton, particularly that of children, is one of the poorest in the country.

The authority urges young and old to register and attend regular check-ups.

For more information on registering with a dentist or a list of dentists providing NHS treatment contact Judith Hulton, consumer services manager on Bolton 39009.

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