A health trust in west Kent has been ranked among the worst in England for access to dentists.

West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) which covers Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and north Kent, was assessed as part of the Healthcare Commission’s National Survey of Local Health Services.

The survey ranked West Kent PCT among the bottom 20 per cent in three criteria: how easy people find it to see an NHS dentist; are patients offered a choice of hospital; and how long patients wait to see a specialist.

But the Trust was placed in the top 20 per cent of PCTs in England for prompt appointments with GPs; giving patients enough time to discuss their health and medication; stopping smoking; and ensuring patients have copies of specialists’ letters about them.

James Thallon, the PCT’s medical director, said: "I am delighted that patients are generally satisfied with the health services provided in west Kent, particularly with the care they get from their GPs.

"The PCT is also investing £3.2million this year in improving access to dentistry. This is a problem we are already dealing with."