Approval has now been granted by the town council for the practice on Gowdall Lane and following building and interior installation it is 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 around 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.

Karen Knapton, Chairman of NHS East Riding of Yorkshire, said: "I am delighted that 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 have now almost delivered on this commitment. New practices are now open in Withernsea and Market Weighton and a new practice in Snaith opens in the coming months."

Tony 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."

Ian Cawsey, MP for Brigg and Goole, 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 am grateful to the PCT for their investment in our area and for their patience in listening to my continual lobbying on this matter.

"I know that 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."

Anyone who would like to be seen at this practice should contact the dental team on 01482 315775 and leave details on the dedicated answering machine or email dental@erypct.nhs.uk