Nearly 60 per cent of high street dentists will either reduce their NHS commitment or quit the NHS altogether, according to new research from the British Dental Association (BDA).

The figures form part of a major consultation exercise by the Association, and show dentists' attitudes to the Government's plans for NHS dentistry in England and Wales in April 2005.

The consultation also found that only one in five dentists thought the Government had listened to their concerns.

Only two per cent of high street dentists said that they would increase their NHS work on the back of the Government's proposals and 16 per cent said that they would stop providing NHS dentistry altogether.

The BDA's research also revealed that dentists were frustrated by the lack of information coming from the Government about the changes, which are less than a year away.

John Renshaw, chair of the BDA Executive Board described the NHS dental service as being at breaking point.