Twelve Cumbrian dental practices are at risk of closure after Bupa announced sweeping cuts across the country.
Bupa is set to cut 85 dental practices across the country, which will affect 1,200 staff.
It has practices in Carlisle, Dalston, Wigton, Keswick, Kendal, Ulverston, Egremont, Workington, Grange-over-Sands, Whitehaven, Barrow and Brampton.
The group said the move was brought about as patients have not been able to access NHS dental services.
It is understood that Keswick, Barrow, Egremont, Wigton and Brampton will close if a buyer cannot be found in 12 months and Maryport’s practice will merge with Workington. It is not clear what will happen with the other practices.
Bupa said it would hand back the dental contract to the NHS for practices that are set to close, meaning commissioners can find a new provider to continue treating patients in the area.
Dental practices across the country have been struggling to recruit both dentists and dental nurses for years.
The British Dental Association said: “Bupa has indicated that the NHS contract model, increased operating costs, and the difficulty in recruiting staff to some practices, has contributed to this decision. This is a stark reminder of the difficulties facing providers of NHS dentistry across the UK.”
Bupa closed its Millom practice in March 2022 because it was unable to recruit permanent dentists.
