The Government's reforms of NHS dental surgery have "blown a black hole" in Sussex health bosses' finances, the Tories claimed today.

Figures obtained by shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley reveal that three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in the county are facing a funding shortfall of almost £3 million because the income they have received from dental charges has been much lower than the Department of Health anticipated.

Brighton & Hove City PCT is facing a shortfall of £389,000, while West Sussex the figure is £2 million and Hastings and Rother faces a black hole of £571,000.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "We told the Government one year ago that their new contract would be a costly disaster for NHS dentistry. The National Audit Office warned that the NHS did not havethe necessary expertise to operate the contract.

"Dentists walked out of the negotiations, but the arrogance and complacency of the Department of Health led them to press on regardless.

"Once again, the Government's abject failure to estimate the cost of a new contract has punched a black hole in NHS finances of millions."

He added: "Over one million patients voted with their feet and, once again, Labour have ended up paying more for a poorer service. It is appalling mismanagement of our NHS."

Mr Lansley requested data from 51 of England's 152 PCTs under the Freedom of Information Act.

Using extrapolation of data provided on revenue from patient charges, the Tories predicted the total shortfall for all 152 PCTs.

They said the data showed that PCTs across England are expecting a shortfall in patient charge income of more £124 million.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "Speculation about levels of charge income misses the key point that dental services are growing. As services grow, so too will the patient charge revenue."