Whitehill Town Council leader and Hampshire county councillor Andy Tree has laid the blame for worsening NHS dental care in the town at the government’s door.

He said: “Clearly there is no shortage of actual dentists, given how many are available for private patients. The fault is totally with the government – there is simply no incentive to be an NHS dentist.”

His anger comes after NHS patients with Bordon mydentist practice in Highview Business Centre (pictured) were told they could no longer receive NHS dental care from them.

In a statement to Cllr Tree, the practice said: “Our four-day-a-week NHS clinician has decided to work on a private basis instead.

“The practice has two other private dentists, each doing one day per week. They all currently have capacity to offer care to new private patients.”

Cllr Tree added: “Chalet Hill Practice also told me they are not taking on any new NHS patients.

“This means as of January 27 NHS dental treatment availability in Whitehill & Bordon is getting worse, not better.”

The NHS website says Grayshott Dental Practice, Aberdeen House Dental Practice and Hindhead Dental Clinic offer NHS care.

None is taking on new NHS patients but are enlisting private patients, said Cllr Tree.

He added: “In my opinion, this situation is not acceptable.

“I have written to Damian Hinds MP, NHS England and to the new local NHS integrated care board about this.

“I will continue to pursue this important matter.”

Alton Dental in Market Square and Kingsclere Dental Practice, also in Alton, are the nearest practices taking on new NHS patients.

Cllr Tree said: “Neither appear to be listed on the NHS website, so this means local residents may not realise there are spaces at these practices.

“Perhaps this is why they have availability, as people don’t know about them?”