The Evening Press can reveal a snapshot of what the future of NHS dentistry in our region is likely to look like.

We have contacted dental practices in the Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) area to find out whether they are planning to sign up to the controversial new contracts, which come in to force on April 1.

Yesterday we revealed how the fate of thousands of dental patients was hanging in the balance after it emerged a quarter of the region's dentists had already decided not to agree to the contracts - which means they will go private.

The PCT has confirmed 23 out of the area's 45 have agreed to stay with the NHS - which means nearly 108,000 people have so far been catered for.

But 10,000 will lose their NHS dentist, after 11 practices decided to opt out, and it is feared a further 6,500 are at risk. Eleven practices have still to make up their minds.

Victor Brookes, pictured, whose practice is in Haxby, said he had yet to make a final decision.

He said: "There are not many advantages and quite a few disadvantages. It's not a comfortable position."

Many dentists signing up to the contract said they still had doubts about the new system.

Robert Walker, who practises in Easingwold, said: "I will be taking the contract, but find it extremely restrictive and un-encouraging."

New targets, an integral part of the contracts, were a major cause of concern to many of the dentists we spoke to.

"Most dentists would prefer to stay within the system, but with the NHS you're forced into seeing more patients than is good for you," Mr Walker added.

One dentist, who has decided to stay with the NHS but preferred not to be named, said: "I'm committed to staying with the NHS because I strongly believe the community we serve needs an NHS service.

"I agree there needs to be some measures of performance, but the targets are too high."

He added: "One of the original aims was to spend more time with patients on prevention. (Now) the emphasis is more on timing over patient care."

Selby and York PCT has said that if a dentist leaves the NHS the dental budget will remain with the trust, which will mean it will be able to commission alternative NHS dental services for affected patients.

A spokesman said the trust was confident the practices it expected to sign would do so by the deadline.

The trust is still to deliver nearly 10,000 extra dental places in the region.

Anyone who requires an NHS dentist can register with the PCT's dental register either online at www.sypct.nhs.uk, or by phoning 01904 724107.

Updated: 10:04 Thursday, March 16, 2006