THE acute shortage of dentists in East Lancashire has worsened to the point where there are now just four taking on new adult NHS patients.

The problems has prompted health bosses to investigate linking up with a Manchester dental school in a bid to encourage more students to begin work in the area.

The shortage of NHS dentists has been created by practices going private, claiming demand and a lack of cash was affecting their ability to treat patients, and a shortage of dental students moving into the area.

Just two months ago, there were 17 practices taking all patients, but that number has dwindled to 14 -- only four of which are prepared to take on adults after a practice in Clayton-le-Moors withdrew its service.

Of those remaining, one each in Darwen, Great Harwood, the Ribble Valley and Pendle are taking patients in all categories, while the others are either taking children or denture cases.

Health bosses say although the problem is a major cause for concern, they cannot say whether the situation has worsened recently or not, because figures change constantly.

A spokesman for East Lancashire Health Authority said: "There are currently no dentists accepting new patients in Blackburn, although there are some in Darwen and Great Harwood.

"We encourage patients to contact NHS Direct, which keeps the most up-to-date listing of dentists in the area.

"One of the problems we face is that dentists who do not train in an area, tend not to settle there and we do not have a teaching college near us.

"However, we are hoping to link up with Manchester Dental School to provide links and encourage students to spend some time in East Lancashire, which may encourage them to stay here."

Nigel Robinson, chief officer with the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Health Council, said: "It doesn't surprise me at all to hear there are no dentists taking on new NHS patients in Blackburn. It was inevitable. It is now even difficult to get a private dentist when you ring around and we get a lot of calls about it. We have to refer them all to NHS Direct."

According to the most up-to-date figures, there are five dentists in Blackburn, four of which are taking children as new NHS patients and one taking on denture cases.

There is one in Burnley, taking on denture cases only and two in Clitheroe, one of which is taking children and one is taking all categories.

There is also one in Colne taking patients in all categories, one in Darwen, one in Great Harwood, one in Longridge taking on children and exempt patients and one in Whalley taking children only.

People who need emergency treatment can still contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.