More people are finding NHS dentists in Oxfordshire - and the trend is expected to continue.

The county is now one of the best in the south-east for NHS dental care.

Last July, Oxfordshire was listed 97th out of 99 health authorities for access to NHS dental treatment. County dental consultant David Thomas said Oxfordshire was now out of the "relegation zone". The county's present standing will be announced in July.

In the past six months, 1,600 new patients have registered with an NHS dentist and 32 per cent of Oxfordshire adults are now getting low-cost care.

The increase is bucking the national trend. Although the national average is 45 per cent, this figure has not increased for the past six months.

Mr Thomas said: "What we are seeing is the fruits of our labours. Three or four years ago we invested highly in practices. In Banbury, for example, there were no NHS dentists - now there are four."

Oxfordshire Health Authority is spending £800,000 to make further improvements to dental services. Salaried dentists are being employed to take on dedicated NHS work, unlike their colleagues who run private practices and take on a limited amount of low-cost treatment.

Although NHS dental treatment is not free, it is cheaper than private care. A check-up costs £15, instead of between £25 and £30.

Seven new walk-in NHS clinics, where patients unable to find an NHS dentist can get low-cost treatment, are being set up.

Patients will receive emergency treatment within four hours, urgent work within 24 hours, and routine appointments within four weeks.

**To find your nearest NHS dentist call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.