A drastic shortage of NHS dentists in Cornwall will be under review in the new year. Falmouth and Camborne MP Candy Atherton confirmed this week that she had been in discussion with Rosie Winterton, health minister following the shock decision by a Penryn dentist surgery to go private.

Following the decision by the Penryn dentists to go private many patients registered with a dentist in Mylor. But their list soon became full leaving many people still searching for an NHS dentist with vacancies. It is understood the two MPs will discuss ways of overcoming the current problem.

Ms Atherton said the minister had looked into the issue and Government officials had contacted the South West Peninsula Strategic Health Authority.

While some NHS dentists still existed in the area, longer-term solutions were necessary.

Ms Atherton said: "Access to dental services has been a problem and I have worked hard to make sure that provision in my constituency has been improved. It was deeply disappointing that the Penryn dental surgery decided to close its doors to NHS patients after recent investment in the practice and I will continue to work for NHS dentistry provision for all who want it.

"I am very pleased that the minister has agreed to a meeting in the new year and I will be pressing the case strongly for better NHS dental services across my constituency. In the meantime, like many of my constituents, I will be looking for a dental practice accepting NHS patients."