Saltash could have an NHS dentist by Christmas after more than a year without one.

The former NHS dental practice in the town, Saltash Dental Surgery, informed its patients in September 2009 it was going private and the town was initially promised by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust (PCT) it would have a new NHS dentist by spring 2010.

Now Primecare Oral Health Services has gained a contract to provide the new service and people on the waiting list for NHS dentistry in the town are being contacted. Premises in Fore Street have been identified for the new practice and Primecare is seeking planning consent to change the use of the building. In the meantime, it will be recruiting staff, including two dentists, to run what will be an NHS-only service six days a week.

Antek Lejk, director of partnership commissioning at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: 'We are very conscious that people have been waiting a long time for this service and this new contract should enable Primecare to open the practice to patients by Christmas. Once up and running, the new practice should be able to see everyone currently on the waiting list in Saltash within the first year.'