Approval has been granted by Snaith and Cowick Town Council for the Gowdall Lane practice, and following building and interior installation, it's expected to open by the Spring.

Snaith was identified by NHS East Riding of Yorkshire as under-resourced for NHS dental services, and tenders were invited last year to provide services to meet the needs of about 5,000 patients.

Snaith Dental Care will be operated by dental partners Tony O'Brien and Chris Siddle, who also operate dental services in Selby.

NHS East Riding of Yorkshire chairman Karen Knapton said: "I'm delighted this eagerly awaited new practice is one step closer to being able to offer NHS dental services for the people of Snaith.

"Increasing dental capacity is a top priority for us and, with additional funding from the Strategic Health Authority, we've now almost delivered on this commitment."

Mr O'Brien, of Snaith Dental Care, said: "This is an exciting time as plans are in place for a first class, modern, two chair dental surgery for Snaith.

"I live and work in the local area and am looking forward to providing a full range of NHS dental services for the community."

Brigg and Goole MP Ian Cawsey said: "This is another step towards achieving what local people and the town council told me they wanted – a National Health Service dentist for the Snaith area. It has taken a lot of hard work. We went from an occasional mobile surgery to a proper local NHS dentist.

"I'm grateful to the PCT for its investment in our area and for their patience in listening to my continual lobbying on this matter.

"I know many will welcome this news. It adds to the provision in the area, and with the new NHS dentist facilities at the Goole Health Centre, these are all steps towards improving and increasing NHS dental services for local people."

Call 01482 315775 if you'd like to register as a patient at the new surgery and leave details on the dedicated answering machine or e-mail dental@erypct.nhs.uk for further information.