AN NHS dental practice is scheduled to be open in Monmouth by March 2007, subject to receipt of planning permission. A Welsh husband and wife team, Ed and Janine Cronin, have applied for planning permission for change of use of a property in the town. The information was revealed by Monmouthshire Local Health Board (the LHB) in an update on the future provision of NHS dental care in the county. In addition to the proposed Monmouth dental practice, a four dentist practice, called the Chepstow Community Dental Practice and based in Chepstow Community Hospital, will open on 18th December 2006. A three dentist practice, called the Beaufort Park Dental Practice and based in Thornwell, Chepstow, will open in February 2007. A two dentist practice in Abergavenny will be ready to register patients from January 2007, subject to receipt of planning permission. The LHB say they would like to apologise for the delay in the opening of the two dental practices in Chepstow and to thank all Monmouthshire residents for the patience they have shown. All Chepstow residents who have contacted the dental helpline should have received a letter from their new dentist welcoming them to their practice. If you have not received a letter yet, please contact the helpline number on 01600 710036 and leave your name and contact details. Any resident who is currently without an NHS dentist and would like to register with one of the new practices should contact the LHB on 01600 710036, leaving your name and contact address or telephone number and a member of the Primary Care Team will send you a registration form for your area.