Urgent action has been called for after it was revealed a north Cumbrian dentist was set to close later this year.
Bupa Dental Care has confirmed that its practice in Market Place, Brampton, will shut on September 20, blaming a national shortage of dentists available to deliver NHS care.
It had said previously that it was looking to sell the practice.
Bupa Dental announced last year that it was looking to close or sell 85 practices across England, Wales and Northern Ireland because of a shortage of dentists.
Brampton was one of those earmarked for sale. But in a letter to patients, it now says: “We’ve been unsuccessful in finding a buyer to take on the NHS contract and continue providing NHS dental services in Brampton. As a result, we’re sorry to let you know we will be closing the practice on September 20.”
It aims to complete all NHS treatments by August 31.
The letter refers patients to the NHS website to find a new NHS dentist. This shows that the nearest dentists accepting new NHS patients are in Carlisle, Penrith and Hexham.
Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Carlisle, Julie Minns, is calling for urgent action after it emerged that another NHS dental practice is to close.
Julie, who hopes to become the MP for the area after the General Election on July 4, is seeking clarification from North East and North Cumbria NHS on how it proposes to replace the lost capacity.
She said: “It’s becoming more and more difficult for people to access NHS dental care. That’s completely unacceptable.
“We’re in this situation because of 14 years of Tory neglect of NHS dentistry. It simply hasn’t been a priority and that has to change.”
In a statement circulated to affected patients, North East and North Cumbria NHS says that it appreciates the closure will be of concern.
It added: “Please be assured that it is our intention to replace the lost capacity as quickly as possible, and discussions are taking place on the best approach to achieve this. This may include asking NHS dental providers within the surrounding area if they are able to take on additional activity.”
Brampton’s other dentist, Chandlers Lane Dental Practice, does treat existing NHS patients but is currently not accepting new patients.
John Stevenson, the Conservative Party’s Parliamentary candidate, said: “Of course this decision is disappointing and it is understandable that local people will be concerned.
“This is a great opportunity for a dental practitioner to come in and take the practice on – in what is a beautiful part of the country.
“It’s good to know that in the meantime the North Cumbria NHS say they will replace the lost capacity as quickly as possible. “
Gavin Hawkton, the Green Party candidate, said: “The closure marks another low point in the decline of NHS dentistry. This is a direct result of successive governments failing to fund NHS dentistry properly, forcing dentists to treat patients at a loss. This neglect has led to shocking stories of patients pulling out their own teeth and children suffering from tooth decay so severe it’s the top reason for child hospital admissions.
“The Green Party is clear that we will work to ensure everyone has access to an NHS dentist. We are proposing an additional £3bn investment in NHS dentistry by 2030 to end dental treatment deserts. We will also campaign for funding community hubs and primary care to provide free dental nursing for children and low-income families, delivering preventative care and referrals.
“The closure of this practice highlights the urgent need for these changes. Brampton residents deserve local access to quality dental care. Our reforms will ensure communities like Brampton are no longer left behind.”
Brian Wernham, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate, said: “The Liberal Democrats brought up the problem a year ago in Parliament and since then the Government has unveiled it’s NHS Dental Recovery Plan. But I believe that plan is just a temporary filling and won’t address the real issues.
“Just this morning I was speaking to a resident who has come out of hospital recovering from a life-threatening condition. She was told that it’s important not to have any infections and looking after teeth is a priority. Unfortunately she has lost her NHS dentist, which has gone private, and now she can’t afford to pay privately.
“The NHS dental system has seen a significant decline in funding, with £1 billion cut in real terms since the Conservatives came to power.
“In this General Election the Liberal Democrats are calling for fundamental reform, including changes to the Units of Dental Activity payment system from the NHS to each dental practice. If the scheme is not totally overhauled, then the dental crisis will continue.
“Carlisle is already a dental desert leaving most residents without access to necessary dental care.”
