Isle of Wight dental crisis puts MyDentist Freshwater future in doubt

MyDentist, in Freshwater, is one of the only dentist's providing NHS treatment in the West Wight.

However, there are concerns it could close after the provider revealed it is battling with 'severe' staff shortages.

A spokesperson for the MyDentist Freshwater practice said: “In common with many dental practices across the UK, and particularly on the Isle of Wight, we are experiencing a severe shortage of NHS dentists locally.

Read more: 

• Isle of Wight dental crisis worsens as Ryde NHS practice goes private
• Isle of Wight dental crisis sees closure of Newport MyDentist practice

"As a result, we are unfortunately having to consider the long-term future of our Freshwater practice."

A petition to delay the closure, set up by Islander Ieuan Jehu, currently has around 700 signatures.

It reads: "There is only one NHS dentist in the Freshwater, Totland and Yarmouth area.

"We call upon the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to pressure the MyDentist group to delay the closure of the Freshwater practice until another company can be found to take over the delivery of NHS dental services in the FYT area."

Here's how to sign the petition to save the practice

To sign the petition, click HERE.

Ieuan said shutting the practice will leave a population of around 10,000 people with no access to NHS dental care.

It's claimed any potential closure could also result in the loss of jobs.

The MyDentist spokesperson added: “Our patients and their care remain our top priority, and we want to reassure them that we are working hard to review all of the options available to us.

"We will continue to keep our patients informed on the progress we are making and we will do everything we can to carry on supporting them in getting access to the affordable dental care they need.”

In January, MyDentist's Newport practice, on Gray's Walk, Pyle Street, shut its doors.

A letter sent to patients said the 'difficult and disappointing' decision had not been 'taken lightly' and it was 'extremely sorry'.

An 'acute shortage' of dentists and subsequent 'recruitment challenges' were blamed.

This was followed by news of changes at MyDentist's Ryde branch.

From February this year, the practice on Cross Street, 'moved away' from offering NHS treatment and went private.