New dental provider announced for closing practice

The Isle of Wight has lost five dentists providing NHS treatment in the last 18 months

A new provider will be taking over a dental practice faced with closure after weeks of discussions.

Denbigh House, based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, will be be taking over the contract of Mydentist in Freshwater from the end of this month.

The island has lost five dentists providing NHS treatment in the last 18 months and none of the remaining services are taking new patients.

James Roach, director of primary care for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said he was "very pleased" for patients as there had been "much concern locally".

The new NHS provider plans to take over the current Freshwater practice with patients continuing to receive care from the same staff in the existing building.

Edward Day, of Denbigh House, and St James clinic, said: “My wife and I are extremely proud to be in a position to continue to provide dental care for the people of Freshwater.

"The way the community has come together to support the practice is phenomenal and is testament to the wonderful and caring team at the practice.

"We are extremely excited to be able to support this team moving forward."

Mr Roach said: “While these discussions have been taking place behind the scenes due to their sensitive nature.

"We are now pleased that we can reassure the community that we have been and will always take steps to ensure a positive solution for patients.

"We know there is more work to do on the Isle of Wight to improve NHS dentistry access and we continue working towards this goal with a plan for the Island.”