Dentists move in to fill the NHS gap

A TEAM of dental experts has taken over a former NHS surgery which left thousands of patients without a dentist when it suddenly shut.

Almost 5,000 NHS patients had to look for a new dentist following the closure of Burslem's Moorland Road Dental Practice in May.

The owners told health officials the surgery was having difficulties after four years in business.

Now, eight months later, patients are being invited to join a new private surgery at the same address.

After a full refurbishment, the Advanced Dental Clinic officially opens today.

Partner Paul Harrison said: "With it being an NHS practice before, there were 5,000 patients on the books when it shut down and they were left without a dentist.

"We have taken the roll on and we are now trying to compete with the NHS by offering similar prices."

Although the new proprietors have inquired about securing NHS status, they have so far been unsuccessful.

No-one at Stoke-on-Trent Primary Care Trust was available for comment but it is understood it has already secured contracts worth more than £200,000 for other dentists in the north of the city to offer slots to the NHS patients left adrift by the closure of the Burslem practice.

Clinical dental technician Mr Harrison said the practice would be one of the few in the UK to offer a comprehensive range of services in-house.

The 29-year-old, who also owns the Harrison Denture Clinic in Stone, will work alongside Portuguese dentists Nuno Ferreira and Rui Lemos.

He said: "We think it is the first in the country that has got everything on one site."

Mr Harrison is one of around 100 people in the country who can construct dentures to patients' needs. The dentists will also provide orthodontics, dental implants and minor cosmetic surgery procedures.

Mr Harrison added: "It is going brilliantly. We have had a really good response even though we have not done any advertising."

The lower floor of the practice has been modernised and there is also potential to expand upstairs if required.

Mr Ferreira, aged 28, said: "The intention is to provide real quality treatments at a price similar to the NHS, with an extra quality which will compensate for the little bit extra that people may need to pay."

He said patients could typically expect to part with £20 for a consultation, as opposed to the under-review £16.20 NHS charge.

A straightforward filling at Advanced Dental Clinic costs £45.

The NHS charges £44.60 for fillings. The same price applies for root canal treatment or extractions.

According to Whatprice.co.uk, private dentists charge around £50 for a consultation and £78 to £105 for a filling.

To arrange an appointment at Advanced Dental Clinic, call 01782 817611.