News that a new NHS dental surgery may open in Billericay has prompted a flood of calls from would-be patients.

Staff at the Billericay Health Centre have been swamped with requests since we revealed the chronic shortage of NHS dentists at Billericay may soon be eased.

But residents anxious for a rare chance to register as NHS dental patients have been told to hold their fire until the deal to bring a NHS practice to the centre is finalised.

Albert Chan, a dentist at the centre in Stock Road, said: "It will probably go ahead but it is still under negotiation.

"I have virtually had to take on another member of staff to deal with the calls."

He revealed that receptionists dealt with 110 calls last Friday and a further 97 by mid-afternoon on Monday but are unable yet to register any patients.

Bosses at South Essex Health Authority are negotiating the final details of the contract with a three-strong team of dentists who are expected to take over the running of the centre's dental service in October.

People are urged to wait until adverts appear in local newspapers announcing the opening of the surgery before trying to register.

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