NSW dentist charged with abusing boys

A retired dentist from the NSW Northern Tablelands who allegedly sexually abused two boys inside his surgery during the 1980s has been charged by police.

The 79-year-old Armidale man was arrested for regularly abusing the boys at his dental practice when they visited as patients in 1981 and 1982.

One boy was nine-years-old when the alleged offences began, while the other was 15.

Allegations first arose about the alleged abuses late last year, and NSW police formed a strike force to investigate.

The man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with 12 counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

He has been granted conditional bail and will appear at Armidale Local Court on October 20.