A DUDLEY dental practise has signed up to join a pioneering pilot programme.

Purity in Dixon's Green Road is the latest practise to be shortlisted by the Department of Health to trial new innovative ways of dentistry and help lead the way the service will look in the future.

One of the new ways being trialled is a self care plan based on a traffic light system.

Patients are given a rating of green, amber or red following an oral health assessment and are then given advice on how to improve their dental health in the long term.

The programme was first launched in 2011, with over 70 practices from around the country now taking part.

Barry Cockcroft, Chief Dental Officer for England said: “I am delighted to welcome the practice to the pilot scheme and know they will continue with the excellent work which has been carried out so far.

“This is great news for all the practices involved as well as for patients who may be among the first in the country to trial the new ways of working. It’s also great that staff in the practice can help lead the way for how dentistry will look in the future.

“Improving oral health across the country is our priority and it is great to have so many practices that are keen to play such an important role.”