TWO dental practices in a market town are now taking on new NHS patients.

Five hundred patients on Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals) dental data base will now be allocated to the practices in Malton.

Trust officials say they are confident that there will be additional NHS places available within the coming months.

Patient liaison manager, Bridget Read said: "We are delighted that our Dental Action Plan is now being effective in Ryedale, but if anyone in the area has still not registered with an NHS dentist, we are urging them to contact our Pals office on (01653) 600800 and their details will be collated.

"They will be offered an NHS dental place by the Pals service as soon as they become available."