AN ACUTE shortage of NHS dentists has left people across West Devon facing a 40-mile round trip for emergency dental treatment on the NHS.

Figures from the British Dental Association have revealed that Okehampton patients must travel 38.6 miles (Holsworthy and back), patients in Chagford must travel to Ashburton (38.2-mile round trip), and people in North Tawton to Exeter (45.4-mile round trip).

The picture is the same across the whole borough, with Tavistock patients facing a 41.2-mile round trip (nearest dentist in Newton Abbot).

To read the full story, pick up today’s copy of the Okehampton Times.