The opening hours at Chippenham Dental Access Centre, Swindon Health Centre in Carfax Street, and Salisbury Avon Approach Health Centre have been extended in a one year trial.

Dental Access Centres offer NHS dentistry to people who are not registered with an NHS dental practice and have urgent dental pain.

Appointments are now available from 8am until 7pm on Thursdays and may be extended to include additional days with the longer hours if it proves popular.

Currently appointments are available on other days from 9am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Dot Wheadon, Business Manager for Community Dental Services, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In a recent patient survey patients told us that attending dental appointments during core working hours was difficult and that appointments earlier in the morning, later in the evening or during lunch times would be more convenient.

"We all have busy lives and I hope that these longer opening hours will make it a bit easier for people and give people more choice.”

To make an appointment at any of the centres patients will need to call the dental helpline on 0845 758926. Do not call the clinic directly.

Patients who need urgent dental treatment during weekends or bank holidays should call 111.

A special care dental referral service is also available for people, who because of their additional needs are unable to access care from general dental services. Call 01672 517421.