A NEW dental practice has opened up in Grays.

Grays Dental Care opened this week on Milton Road and will be run by the same dental management team that operates St Clements Dental Care in West Thurrock.

There has been high demand for local dental services and a clear need for improved NHS dental access in Grays, highlighted by both the children's and adult health scrutiny committees of Thurrock Council.

With the support of NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the ICB), the team behind St Clements Dental Care secured the premises at 12  Milton Road and additional NHS funding to serve more local residents through the new practice.

Grays Dental Care will offer all routine general dental services and is accepting new NHS patients. To help meet demand, patients contacting St Clements Dental Care may also be offered appointments at the new Grays location.

A key feature of the new practice is a bariatric dental chair, which is used to support heavier patients who may struggle to access standard dental facilities. Two new dentists have been recruited, and team members from St Clements Dental Care will also work from the new site to support continuity of care for local patients.

William Guy, Director of Primary Care at NHS Mid and South Essex, said "We are delighted to support the team at St Clements to open a new dental practice. We know how important access to high quality dental care is for residents. This new practice will make it easier for patients to access NHS dental services whilst also help relieve pressure on other local services."

Elizabeth Fernandez, Operations Manager at Dentistry For You, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming patients to the new practice in Grays. We've been able to create employment opportunities for the local community and bring new dentists into Grays offering NHS dental care. Interest has been extremely high.

"We've been actively working with the ICB to increase NHS dental access in the area. We are accepting new NHS patients, so please do call us or visit our website for more information on how to book an appointment."

For further information or to register as a patient, contact Grays Dental Care directly on 01375 600397, or via St Clements Dental Care on 01708 895480.

The practice has a new website: www.dentistryforyou.co.uk