DENTAL patient Brian Thomas was left open-mouthed when he received a line from his oral carers in Newton Abbot suggesting he take advantage of their free children’s fluoride clinics, writes Paul James.

Brian, a ripe 68, was more amused than offended by the whopping gaffe made by the Oasis practice in Brunel Road.

The Abbotskerswell resident revealed that he won’t be taking up the invite to attend the clinics between 1pm and 4pm on Fridays, even though he is fully aware of the advantages of a child’s teeth being kept ‘healthy and strong’.

He politely wrote back to the practice that neither he nor his parents were minded to take the matter further.

Brian was happy to report he still has teeth in his mouth.

On a serious note, he informed his dental team: ‘Please check that my records are correct as I have been client since 2008 – and I am keen to ensure I have not been incorrectly reclassified as an infant by your new regime.’

The Oasis practice was formerly known as Den Dental.

Oasis told him in the original letter, which was addressed to his parent or guardian: ‘We are passionate about our patients oral health here at Oasis and feel that this is a quick, simple and most importantly, free way to put Brian on the right path towards a healthy smile for life.’

Brian said he had yet to receive any explanation from Oasis.

A practice spokesman said: ‘A software failure at the practice led to the error where letters were sent to all patients.’

Krissie Sloane, practice manager, said: ‘We apologise for any inconvenience or offence that was caused by a letter we recently sent to patients inviting them to bring their children along for a free fluoride application.

‘A failure of the software system we use to send letters to certain patients for whom specific services are relevant, meant it was sent to all of our patients in error.

‘Once the error was identified, we ceased issuing letters but about 1,000 people still received them.

‘The letter was meant as a goodwill gesture for parents and it was not the intention of the practice to cause any offence to other patients.

‘We would like to reassure our patients that data protection was fully adhered to and patients only received communications that were addressed to them.’