A SWINDON dentist has warned oral cancer rates could rocket under plans to axe six-month check-ups.

The Government has announced it intends to do away with the traditional check-ups for NHS patients and instead tailor their frequency to meet the needs of individuals.

Dentists will instead be told that they only need to see adults every six months if they have specific problems.

Children should be seen every few months under the new guidelines.

People with teeth deemed to be in good shape may only get to see their dentist once every two years.

The move is part of modernising measures designed to re-shape the NHS and free-up time for patients needing special attention.

But Patrick Holmes, the north Wiltshire spokesman for the British Dental Association, who runs Sevenfields Dental Health Centre, in Penhill, fears it could have far-reaching consequences.

He said dentists do far more than fill cavities and polish teeth.

"While I agree that some patients with perfect teeth do not need to be seen as often I think two years is too long," he said.

"My main concern is the effect of these measures on oral cancer detection.

"Dentists would much prefer to see patients every six months so we can help prevent it. Sadly, recovery rates for this kind of cancer have improved little over the years."

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, the disease kills one person every five hours in the UK or 1,700 people a year.

And increasingly women are falling victim.

Although oral cancer has traditionally hit smokers over 55, there is evidence women around the 35 mark are increasingly becoming victims.

Mr Holmes believes the growing "ladette" culture is to blame with women drinking more.

Mr Holmes says dentists will see little change under the new plans despite promises from the National Institute For Clinical Excellent, which drew up the guidelines.

"Where do you draw the line?" he said.

"Around 80 per cent of people now have some form of gum disease.

"I would not trust the Government as far as I could spit them.

"Instead of relieving workloads for NHS patients, this could actually stitch them up further if practices have high percentages of children who need regular check-ups."

Kevin Shoesmith