Dentists’ switch away from NHS affects 8,000

1:13pm Friday 4th July 2008

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MORE than 8,000 patients of a dental surgery have been told that they will no longer receive NHS treatment from next month.

Malpas House dental surgery, in Northallerton, has written to patients to explain the changes, which have provoked an angry reaction from some.

The majority of the surgery's patients are based in and around Northallerton and Thirsk.

The letter reads: "After considerable thought, we will cease to provide NHS dentistry for our fee-paying adult patients, with effect from August 1."

One angry patient, who asked not to be named, said: "This is a disgrace. The only way we can pay for our treatment now is via a monthly direct debit. The cheapest option is £7.50 a month, so I am looking at having to pay £90 a year for one check-up, which takes about 30 seconds.

"It is not good value for money."

After receiving letters over the weekend, patients bombarded the switchboard of the surgery, in South Parade, Northallerton, seeking clarification.

John Chamberlain, senior partner at the surgery, said the decision had been made after "a lot of heart-searching" by senior dentists at the practice.

He said: "Our decision has been carefully considered for almost a year, and has been informed by comments and views of a majority of our regular patients, who understand and support the need for change. We are hopeful that a majority of patients will join our new dental care scheme.

"We are aware of comments from some patients regarding changes in the way treatment will be funded. Sadly, good quality dental care does come at an operating cost. We have included a helpline number in our letter to patients."

Mr Chamberlain said the surgery would continue to offer NHS treatment to children, pregnant women and those who do not pay for their treatment, until early next year.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust said patients unhappy with the changes could join a waiting list for an NHS dentist.

Since April, more than 3,000 people in Hambleton and Richmondshire have been assigned NHS dentists, with just 15 people remaining on the waiting list. To register, visit nyypct.

nhs.uk, or call 01904-724107.