The Mount Dental Surgery, which focuses on NHS patients, is also unique in being one of the first practices in Britain to serve as a training centre for student dentists in their final qualifying year. About 30 students a year from Sheffield University each spend several weeks at the practice.

Dr Barry Cockcroft, the NHS chief dentist, travelled from London to congratulate dentists in Hemsworth for bucking the national trend towards private dentistry.

Most dentists are turning away National Health patients, but The Mount Dental Surgery now has more than 8,000 new patients – an increase of 70 per cent since the new purpose-built surgery was completed 18 months ago.

Dr Cockcroft said: “The government has made a major investment in NHS dental services during the past few years and it is very encouraging to see results like this at Hemsworth.

“Developing the training of dental students in the primary care setting is important, and I am delighted to be opening this new venture as a product of joint working between Wakefield PCT, Sheffield Dental School and the local dentist at Hemsworth.”

The driving force behind the Hemsworth practice, principal dentist Dr Amita Shahi, said: “As I grew up and was educated in this area, I am extremely committed to providing a first-class NHS service for the local community.

“With no fluoridation in the mains water and it being a deprived area in a former mining town, tooth decay is a major problem, especially among children, who are having teeth removed and up to 15 fillings at a time.

“All patients consent to treatment by a student beforehand. The Charles Clifford Dental Hospital in Sheffield ensures students have the necessary skills in dentistry before they are allocated to outreach placements.”

She added: “What’s made the dental training work so well here is the support we’ve had from patients. That backing has allowed the nurses and dentists here to help develop the students’ skills.

“We are convinced this is the best way to train dentists and therapists.”