Watford dental practice to end NHS dental services
Patients at a dental practice in Watford have been advised to seek alternative NHS care if they don’t want to stay on as private patients.
The owners of Garston Lodge Dental Practice contacted patients in October, informing them that the practice would be switching to private provision only from December 31st. All NHS check-ups have been cancelled from November 21st.
Some patients who have been affected by the announcement have shared comments on local social media groups, with many suggesting that they have been unable to find any NHS providers in the area. One resident said that they felt compelled to stay with the practice because there were no available NHS dental places elsewhere, describing the predicament as like being “between a rock and hard place.”
While many people understand the situation outlined by the practice owners, who blamed a “chronic lack of investment” for the decision, they are anxious about what happens next.
It is increasingly difficult to find a dentist and most patients cannot afford private dental treatment. Some patients who have tried to contact local NHS dental clinics have been told that there are waiting lists of more than 700 people.
The practice is offering private membership plans from £12.99- £21.99 per month, which offers discounts on treatment and between two and four appointments per year.
Figures from the British Dental Association show that 45% of dentists have reduced the amount of NHS work they undertake since 2020.
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