Dentists looking for NHS patients

Dental practices in parts of Somerset are having to advertise for patients because they have a surplus of National Health Service (NHS) places.

It is believed dentists in the county have not moved to the private sector to the extent they have elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Dentist Ameen Moinuddeen said he needed lots of patients at the surgery he works at in Shepton Mallet.

"We're hoping people will come and register with us," he added.

Somerset Primary Care Trust said there were 17 practices the county currently registering new NHS patients.