AN acute shortage of dentists offering NHS treatment is making the service offered across East Lancashire among the worst in the country.

And the situation looks set to continue, as health bosses admit they are powerless to stop dentists refusing NHS patients.

The position in the area reflects a national trend. Only 49 per cent of the population nationally is registered with an NHS dentist, while only 45 per cent of people in East Lancashire have one.

There are currently 159 dentists in East Lancashire in 82 practices with just 17 practices prepared to take on new NHS cases.

Health watchdogs warn it could lead to serious health problems if people stopped seeing a dentist altogether. A spokesman for East Lancashire Health Authority said: "Dentists can decide whether or not to take NHS patients, and there is nothing we can do about it.

"There are major problems for people trying to find a dentist but all we can do is refer them to NHS Direct who will give them a list of dentists taking on new NHS patients."

Nigel Robinson, chief officer with the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Health Council, said the CHC had fought hard for an out of hours emergency service at Queen's Park Hospital.

A spokesman for the British Dental Association said: "It is in the best interest of both dentists and patients that greater investment is made in NHS dental services."