A dental surgery in Lichfield says it will stop providing NHS services for adults later this year.
Bore Street Dental Practice has written to patients saying they will only be providing treatment on a private basis for adults from 1st December.
They said that a “chronic lack of investment in NHS dentistry” has led to the decision.
In a letter to patients, they explained:
“Bore Street Dental Practice has been committed to providing and NHS dental service for many years.
“However, a chronic lack of investment in NHS dentistry, coupled with rapidly rising costs means we are no longer able to provide the care and service you have been accustomed to and remain a viable business.
“For many months we have been trying to secure the services of two new NHS dentists. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to fill the vacancies.
“We are amid a national dental recruitment crisis. This means our patients are waiting longer for both routine examination and treatment appointments. This not how we wish to look after our very loyal patients – we feel you deserve better.”
Bore Street Dental Practice
The practice has offered patients the opportunity to continue on a private basis.
Membership options start from £17.90 a month and offer guaranteed registration, regular examinations and a 10% discount of treatments such as fillings, crowns and dentures.
“We are delighted to announce that the practice has arranged to introduce our own range of dental membership plans to enable you to spread the cost of your routine dental care with a simple monthly direct debit that provides excellent value for money.
“Our decision, although difficult, will allow us to spend more time with you, reduce waiting times for routine dental examinations and treatment appointments, and care for you in a relaxed, friendly and professional environment.”
Bore Street Dental Practice
Well done Michael Fabricant. This is a DIRECT result of your government’s failed healthcare policies – all of which you supported and endorsed.
this government is an absolute disgrace.
This is so sad. The dentists at this practice were great. Not everyone can afford to take out a dental membership. Do know that our MP uses this practice but maybe he can afford to go private. The government needs to do something about dentistry ASAP. This practice claim they cannot get any dentists although they have been advertising for some time.
Sadly I think this is the start of Privatization within the NHS.
I have ongoing health issues several of my Clinics and Care have now changed where my Consultation is under the joint Umbrella of NHS and Private Care… Diabetes’ Eye Scan, Cataract Surgery and other Consultations are just a few to mention. Must say these Private Clinics are superb. I am elderly .
The old partners Lundy, Standing and the rest would be spinning in their graves, this is absolute nothing to do with government it’s the new partners who are using the government as an excuse, they can make a lot more money by going private just look at the offer of £17 per month and then 10% off further treatment !!!
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Not sure I follow the logic of this. If there are not enough dentists to treat everyone and keep waiting lists down, and they are struggling to recruit any, how is a system of people paying privately for treatment going to help? We can thank this Tory government for staff shortages, as with doctors and nurses. They have done next to nothing to resolve this, despite having 13 years to do so. And can we see an end to the excuse of the pandemic please? The NHS was in crisis long before COVID came along.
Private dentistry is not always more expensive Filling on NHS is £71.50 private it was £55 – exam on NHS £27 private exam whilst sorting out filling £20. This was at Bore St.. The expense starts when more than 1 filling or more than 1 crown is required, So the message is get facts on costs [NHS all 3 dentistry bands has gone up recently] right first and look after your tusks cos lots of treatment inc removal of nerves will cost more. What’s the problem.? Bore St is an excellent practice. We shall stay with them.
I have been with these dentists since 1995 and have seen a steady decline. I went just before Christmas last year and needed treatment but there was a three month wait. Luckily I have found another NHS dentist – until they decide to go private I suppose.
The waiting lists are long , due to that in the last 10 years there’s over 5 million more people in the country.
Give yourself a big pat on your Tory back if you voted for Fabricant and the current shower of lying incompetents allegedly running the country. There’s an election coming up, just remember this, remember another attack on the NHS, remember another attack on working people and the MP who can’t be bothered to hold a surgery or meet with his constituents. I’ve been a patient at Bore Street for over 25 years and this is very sad news indeed. I’m not entirely convinced by the rationale though. Appointments will be cancelled and more will use the services of the Community Dental Services at the local hospitals causing even more strain on the NHS. Well done Tories.
They aren’t the only dentists to do this, Lichfield Dental care in Shortbutts lane is also going the same way. Been with them for 40 years, now they want 21 quid a month, in the middle of a cost of living crisis! Not everyone can magically afford this extra payment. Looking for a new NHS dentist, but we shouldn’t be in this situation.
Nice little earner.
I am really sad about this l have been with Bore street dentist’s for over 63 years started with the very lovely & brilliant mr standing till he retired, l cant afford to pay private as being on Pension credit l always had help with paying treatment so for the 1st time in my life l have to seek another NHS dentist.