A crisis in recruiting and retaining NHS dentists in Pembrokeshire can only be reversed if fees are tripled.

One of a handful of remaining NHS dentists in the county, Harri Jaakola, said the gulf between health service and private fees needs to be closed. The Finnish dentist can command £60 from private patients for a check-up, scale and polish at his Pembroke Dock practice.

For performing the same work on the NHS patients who make up the majority of his list he receives £16.50 from the Government.

The reason why dentists are abandoning the National Health in favour of private practice are obvious, he said.

He fears that as existing NHS dentists retire or leave the area they will be difficult to replace.

Evidence suggests that newly qualified dentists are turning their backs on Pembrokeshire in favour of privately-run businesses in other parts of the UK.

Dyfed Powys Health Authority claims access to dental care in Pembrokeshire has been compartively better than in other parts of the region.

But the authority admits demand is increasing and is taking active steps to overcome a shortage of patient places.

As a result of the increased demand for dental care in the county, we intend to include Pembrokeshire as an area in which there are opportunities for dentists to practice in advertisements to be placed in the professional press and through the internet, said its spokeswoman.

The National Assembly is offering grants of up to £40,000 for dentists to practice in certain parts of Wales but the conditions attached are stringent, with practioners having to commit themselves for five years.