SCORES of people could have their final NHS check-ups cancelled by a York dental practice before it turns private in April.

Wendy Smith and her husband, Kevin, both had appointments booked with The Mount Medical Practice to make sure there was nothing seriously wrong with their teeth.

The couple say they cannot afford to pay private dental fees, and wanted a last check-up before they scoured the city for a new NHS dentist.

But since a dentist left the practice last month, letters have been sent out cancelling pre-booked appointments because no other dentists are available to fulfil the commitments.

Mrs Smith, 31, said when she received the letter, she immediately phoned the practice to ask for an appointment with another dentist. She claims a receptionist told her that she was registered with the dentist rather than the practice, so had effectively been taken off the books.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting," said Mrs Smith, who has not been able to find another NHS dentist in York and Selby.

"My husband and I can't afford private dental care and we just wanted a final check up to make sure everything was okay, thinking we'd have six months before our next check-up was due.

"There will be hundreds of people in the same position as us and it is impossible to find another dentist around here, absolutely impossible.

"We live in Selby but work in York and we cannot find a new dentist in either place. The nearest is in Sherburn-in Elmet which is just too far out for us to make after work."

Another patient, who did not want to be named, said she was also unable to book a final appointment before April.

She phoned NHS Direct to find another dentist, but was told there was nowhere taking on new NHS patients. She eventually decided to pay private fees at another practice.

When The Mount Dental Practice announced its intention to go private, patients were given the choice of joining a private pay-monthly scheme or to pay an annual fee plus the cost of subsequent examinations and treatment.

Anybody within the Selby and York Primary Care Trust area who is not registered with a dentist and requires urgent treatment can access the North Yorkshire Dental Care Service.

An appointment can usually be offered within 24 hours. Phone NHS direct on 0845 46 47.

An NHS Direct spokeswoman said no dentists in York and Selby were taking on new NHS patients, but some practices in Harrogate had waiting lists.

Nobody from The Mount Dental Practice was available for comment when contacted by the Evening Press.

Updated: 08:43 Thursday, February 10, 2005