HOSPITAL waiting lists in the NHS are always an issue reported in the press.

But what is equally worrying is the shortage of NHS dentists.

There are now very few dentists who will take on new patients at all -- because they are all going private? -- another worrying trend.

Why can't NHS dentists be available at hospitals, not just for emergency treatment, but for routine dentistry and have similar contracts to GPs?

People not already registered with a dentist may not be able to in the future. These same people are missing out on vital preventative routine checks, when not only bad teeth are prevented, but early signs of serious oral diseases can be detected.

The government should address this issue immediately before the situation gets any worse.

KATHLEEN BULCOCK, Wilkie Avenue, Burnley.