THE report in your paper regarding the Lee family being refused a dental check-up was misleading (Dentists refuse family check-up, October 26).

Plastered around all dental practices now are posters stating that each patient should "arrange six-monthly visits for check-ups". It also states "that failure to arrange visits every six months - totalling 12 months etc - patients will be taken off dentists' lists".

With the present pressure on National Health dentists, this is perfectly reasonable, especially as so many have opted to go private.

The Aldwark Dental Practice has had numerous staff problems over the past year or so, but has always tried to do its best for patients. My wife and I have been for six monthly visits for the past 30 years and have always received courteous and first-class treatment.

Mr and Mrs Lee and their two sons have only themselves to blame for their situation and it's quite unfair of your reporter Alex Lloyd to be so scathing of the very efficient Aldwark Dental Practice.

The fact that the Lees got an apology from the complaint co-ordinator displays just how caring the practice is. Why did the Lees want six-month reminders? We've never had one.

Bryan R Lawson,

Burton Fields Road,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 09:15 Wednesday, November 03, 2004