SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith has welcomed moves to improve dental provision.

He says a new NHS 'dental recovery plan' will improve access to appointments in rural areas.

Dental vans will be used in the short term to help reach isolated communities, and longer term, over 200 dentists will be recruited to work in under-served areas.

Also, trainee dental places will be expanded by 40 per cent.

Mr Smith says: "Every one of my constituents should be able to access NHS dentistry quickly and easily, and I understand people’s frustration when they need to see a dentist but struggle to get an appointment.

"I’m therefore delighted with the Government’s new plan, which will create 2.5 million more NHS dental appointments over the next 12 months."