DOZENS of patients have been left without a dentist after the unexpected closure of a private practice.

Dentists John Prew and Annie de Souza announced they were quitting Cheadle Dental Care and moving to another surgery because of "irreconcilable differences" with the owner.

Dentists at two other practices in the town have offered emergency appointments to patients needing urgent help.

Mr Prew and Ms de Souza are now operating from The Staffordshire Clinic, in Uttoxeter.

They announced the move in a statement which said: "We wish it to be known that our decision to leave was not taken lightly and was the result of circumstances beyond our control.

"We would like to thank all of our patients and staff for their loyalty and support over the many years."

The move has stunned health officials, who have not been officially informed.

Cheadle Mayor Julie Bull is among patients at the practice and had been due for a check-up next month.

She said: "I have not been told anything. No-one seems to know what is going on.

"I had been due for an appointment next month. I don't know what will happen now. I will probably follow Annie de Souza – if she is willing to have me."

Town councillor Ray Wood, who is the Cheadle's market superintendent, said: "People have been complaining that they had no notification of their appointments being cancelled.

"There are two other dentist practices in town, but I do not know whether they will be able to absorb everyone on the list at Cheadle Dental Care."

Former patient Peter Warrillow, who is a town and district councillor, said: "I have made some inquiries, but no-one seems to know why it has closed. I was very surprised, it seems very mysterious."

One patient, who declined to be named, said: "It has come as a complete shock. They treated all my family.

"We have had no official notification and I do not know what we will do now. It is quite a long way to have to go to Uttoxeter."

The owner and manager of the surgery, named as Mr A de Jager, could not be reached for comment.

A spokesman for NHS North Staffordshire said: "We had not been formally notified by the dental practice that it is closing and we are urgently seeking clarification from them.

"We believe there may be an issue regarding irreconcilable differences between the owner and contract holder and the dentists he employs at the practice.

"We have contacted two other local NHS dentists in the Cheadle area who have offered emergency appointments and help to anyone left in difficulties, and we would ask people to contact the Dental Access Centre on 0300 123 0972 for further information on finding a dentist."

No-one was available to comment at Cheadle Dental Care or at The Staffordshire Clinic in Church Street, Uttoxeter.