HEALTH bosses are opening a new dentist’s surgery which will provide treatment for thousands of Hampshire people.

The practice could treat up to 9,500 people each year, according to Hampshire Primary Care Trust, which is funding the scheme.

It is taking bids from dentists who want to run the service, which could open in Winchester by March 2010.

The move comes 18 months after the Daily Echo told the story of grandmother Elizabeth Green who pulled out her own teeth because she could not find an NHS dentist in the city to treat her.

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Mrs Green, 78, of Westman Road, Weeke, pulled out two teeth in 2007.

Last night she said: “I was looking for a dentist for a long time but they just kept saying ‘we don’t want any more people’.

“If I could get a place, then I would still like one.”

Health chiefs are yet to decide where to put the surgery, and patients will not be able to register until it opens.

At present, 11 Winchester surgeries treat NHS patients, and new ones are only taken on when spaces arise. When the new surgery opens, Hampshire PCT hopes it will operate seven days a week.

Natalie Jones, lead commissioning manager of primary care dental services for NHS Hampshire, said treating more patients was a priority.

She said: “Since 2006 we have committed £15m to do this and have prioritised areas across Hampshire on clinical need and current access. As part of this ongoing assessment Winchester and the surrounding rural area has been identified as one of a number of priority areas.”

Age Concern Hampshire says the lack of spaces is a major concern for pensioners.

It was listed as the eighth biggest problem in a survey by the charity, just behind utility bills and council tax.

Director Chris Perry said: “I think it’s virtually impossible to find a place in Winchester.”

He added: “We’re delighted that they’re going to open a new surgery as it’s a major concern for older people, especially with the cost of dentistry. A lot of people have money tied up in property and you can’t spend your house on dental care.”