Market Harborough Dentists To End NHS Treatment For Thousands Of Patients

A Market Harborough dental practice is being forced to stop providing NHS treatment to thousands of patients.

Brookside Dental has been unable to recruit a new dentist to treat people on the NHS, despite advertising the position for the last year.

NHS treatment will end for 4,500 adult patients in October, although the practice is in talks to retain part of its NHS contract, so it can continue to treat the 1,500 children on its books.

Brookside say the lack of NHS dentists is a national issue and it has had no choice but to take the difficult decision, which will leave many people trying to find another NHS practice to register with.

Anisha Gathani owns Brookside Dental with her husband Ravi and spoke to HFM:

Brookside Dental in Market Harborough

A spokesperson for NHS England told HFM: “We are very sorry that Brookside Dental has taken the decision to reduce its contract to provide NHS dental services in  Market Harborough.

“We have worked together since 2015 and the dental team at the practice have always provided excellent service for the people of Market Harborough.

“Our priority is to ensure that NHS dental care is still available to patients, and we are currently liaising with the dental practice to understand their current position to ensure patient access.”

NHS England say to find a local NHS dentist people should go to Find a dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk)  and anyone who has an urgent need for a dentist should contact NHS 111 and they will be directed to one.

Brookside Dental will still be able to see patients privately and is setting up a membership scheme for people who want to continue to receive dental care at the practice.