Harleston and Eye dentistry uncertainty with one practice set to be saved after U-turn

A Bupa dentist in Harleston looks set to be saved from closure, but another is Eye will be closing, it was confirmed this week.

The news comes after patients at both practices received letters stating that they would be shutting their doors on June 30 and could not take on any more new patients.

Nationally, Bupa is set to close, sell or merge 85 dental practices due to a national shortage of dentists and increased costs.

Asked about the Harleston practice in Redenhall Road, a Bupa spokesman said: “We have made the decision to seek an alternative owner for this practice as we are optimistic that a local provider can be found to continue offering dental services in the local community.

“This will allow the NHS contract to transfer to a new owner, enabling access to NHS dental services to continue for patients.”

But news about Eye’s Lambseth Street practice was not so optimistic.

The spokesman said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close this practice due to the national shortage of dentists.

“We know the impact this will have on patients and will be supporting them to find an alternative care provider.

“This decision will allow commissioners to procure new local providers, thereby providing a better opportunity for maintaining access to a NHS dental services for patients.”

The service said it wanted to reassure patients that both practices are operating as usual.