Health officials are recruiting NHS dentists from Poland to help fill gaps in staffing levels.

They turned their attention east after admitting it was difficult to find enough dentists in England to work in the NHS because salaries were low compared to the private sector.

Amid concerns patients were unable to get NHS treatment without travelling considerable distances, West Sussex County Council set up an NHS dentistry taskforce.

The group concluded the availability of NHS dentistry in the county was "patchy".

The taskforce wanted to see improvements in all parts of West Sussex but admitted this would be difficult to achieve.

With not enough dentists being trained up in England, officials are recruiting abroad, with Poland the present focus.

The taskforce said it was disappointed there was no dental training school in West Sussex, with students travelling to London or Portsmouth for their five-year courses.

Nationally only 50 to 60 per cent of people had regular check-ups but figures in parts of West Sussex were nearer 89 per cent.

The taskforce believed educating children about tooth decay and dental care was important.

It also looked at the pros and cons of flouride in water, a topic which has proved controversial in the past.

The report will be considered by county councillors on July 4.