Basingstoke dental practice made famous by the ‘Singing Dentist’ to go private
A Basingstoke dental practice is set to go private, leaving patients facing a choice between paying more for treatment or finding an alternative surgery.
Chequers Dental Practice, which was made famous by its owner, the ‘Singing Dentist,’ has informed patients that NHS services will stop in May. Dr Milad Shadrooh, who clocked up millions of views on social media and appeared on TV and radio several times after making up catchy songs about looking after the teeth and gums, has written to patients explaining the decision and outlining the next steps.
The practice has offered NHS care for over 40 years and Dr Shadrooh said that it had been a “tough decision.” In a letter sent to patients, he suggested that it was the best course of action to ensure that patients receive the required standards of care.
Patients will be able to stay at the practice if they are willing to pay for private dental treatment. Plans are available at a cost of £10- £17.50 per month. Children will be able to receive free dental treatment up to the age of 10 if they have a parent registered with the practice privately.
News of the changes have left some patients worrying about how they will afford to see a dentist in the future. Janet Aris, who is 71, said that she cannot afford to go private on a state pension. She has already started contacting other practices, with no luck so far. There is a shortage of NHS dentists in the area, which will make it very difficult for patients who don’t have the means to pay for private care at Chequers Dental Practice to find an alternative provider. Janet called several practices and was unable to find any that had spaces available for NHS adult patients. She said she felt “disenfranchised” and “so worried” because she has been to the dentist every 6 months for over 20 years.
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