Last year, the Gazette told how salesmen were going door to door in Hebburn peddling private dental policies.

Among the claims they made was that people on working tax credit were not covered for dental treatment on the National Health Service.

And on one occasion a salesman warned a resident – wrongly – that there would be no NHS dentists in South Tyneside in the future.

Health chiefs have put the record straight and are urging residents to contact trading standards if approached by a seller making any such claim.

A new report reveals that access to NHS dentists in North East England is the best in the country.

A study by the Information Centre found 61 per cent of adults in the region had visited a dentist in the last two years, compared with 52 per cent nationwide.

It also found that 59.5 per cent of adults and 73.9 per cent of children in the region had seen an NHS dentist in the 24 months to July 2007.

Simon Wilkinson, of Station Road Dental Practice in Hebburn, said: "NHS dentistry is running well in South Tyneside, and it is a good scheme.

"Patients should be encouraged to visit their dentists as there are considerable health benefits.

"A lot of people feel very intimidated by these salespeople, and I would encourage anyone approached by these salesmen to ask their dentists about what they are being told."

One of the people approached by the salesmen was Christine Hagan, of Campbell Park Road.

She said: "I was told that, because I was on working tax credit, I was not covered, and any treatment I would have, if I had an accident and damaged a tooth, would be costly.

"I'm a bit wary about people calling to my door, so when I next saw Mr Wilkinson, I asked him, and he said it was not true.

"When people knock on your door telling you things like this, it does make you think, and a lot of people might sign up for something they don't need.

"I would encourage them to speak to their dentist first before signing anything."

To find your nearest available NHS dentist, visit www.nhs.uk, click on 'dentist' and enter a postcode or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.