It seems we should all be eternally grateful nowadays to be treated by an NHS dentist.

The chances of getting your name on a patient list appears to be a tough task in the UK.

Many – even the most health conscious – give up and go for years without getting their teeth treated.

However, it emerged yesterday a practice in the city had been warned by NHS bosses for refusing to treat a patient unless she paid to go private.

The unnamed practice was given a remedial notice on Monday after one of its dentists allegedly told the patient that while he was unable to provide root canal treatment, the clinic would be able to do so privately.

It now has 28 days to reassure Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust that the incident will not be repeated – or face having its NHS contract terminated.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Evan Harris should be commended for raising concerns about the case.

The Oxford Mail believes it is not acceptable for someone in pain to be asked if they wish to pay extra for the treatment, or not be helped at all.

It stinks of a two-tier system more reminiscent of a third world country.