A PRIVATE dentist who was denied an NHS contract now charges less than the NHS for treatment.

Andrew Brown set up the Grappenhall Dental Practice last summer but was told he would have to run a private clinic because of a lack of funds at the primary care trust.

The reports earlier this week of people carrying out their own dental work because they cannot afford to pay were "worrying," he said.

"It has come to a bad state that people are forced to do things like that," he said.

"Most people are not particularly good at pulling teeth out and they leave bits behind which can cause infections or abscesses," he said.

Andrew, who used to work for an NHS practice, decided to set up on his own 18 months ago.

"I assumed I was going to stay NHS but the PCT decided they couldn't afford me an NHS contract," he said.

"They were forcing me to go private which I didn't want to do and my patients didn't want me to do.

"So now I just charge the same as the NHS," he said.

A check up on the NHS currently costs £15.90. Andrew's practice on Knutsford Road charges £12.50.

"I have just recruited another like-minded dentist because we were so over-subscribed," he said.

"The problem is that a lot of people who really need treatment are exempt from NHS charges.

"I can't take them because I won't get the money back from the PCT," he said.

"But if you would normally pay then you can come to us," he said.

"I was very willing to stay on the NHS but the PCT wouldn't allow me.

"Now they will always say there are emergency dentists but the wait can be a week and that's too long when people are in severe pain," he said.

Call the practice on 210977 to inquire about appointments.

joanna.lean@guardiangrp.co.uk