An MP has criticised the planned closure of dental practices in two towns, which will deprive thousands of residents access to vital treatment.

Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, has urged Bupa to rethink its decision to close practices in Bishop Auckland’s Market Place and Shildon at the end of June. The provider has blamed inflation and higher energy prices, increasing the cost to run patient services, and says the closures are part of nationwide cuts amid a national shortage of dentists and challenges across the industry. 

But current patients at the two practices say they have been unable to find any space at alternative NHS sites in the nearby area and cannot afford private dental care. A petition has now been launched by patients affected by the planned closure in Shildon, with more than 240 signatures backing the campaign so far. The closure of the Bupa practice on St John’s Road would mean the Ashby & Atkinson site is the only one left in Shildon. 

Read more: Worry over plans to close Bishop Auckland and Shildon Bupa dentists

The practice is also popular with people from Newton Aycliffe and nearby villages such as Gainford, with parents also raising concerns about a lack of child dental care in the area. 

Backing the campaign, Julianne Alderson said: “I have been a patient with this practice for 50 years and the staff are fantastic! Why close a busy practice like this? It doesn't make sense and is badly needed for the people of Shildon and surrounding areas as we cannot access any other dental practice in the local area. Please reconsider.”

Christina Sowerby added: “Like many I will struggle to find another taking on more patients. I don't want my oral health to suffer. Please try and save this for the community. I've already heard people are pulling out their own teeth because they can't get an appointment. This is totally unacceptable.”

The Northern Echo: Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, has urged Bupa to rethink its decision to close practices in Bishop Auckland’s Market Place and Shildon at the end of June.Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, has urged Bupa to rethink its decision to close practices in Bishop Auckland’s Market Place and Shildon at the end of June. (Image: PA MEDIA)

Conservative MP for the area, Dehenna Davison hopes to meet with BUPA dental care officials to resolve the situation. She said: "Bupa dental closures in Bishop Auckland are not just bad for our teeth, but bad for the entire community's access to vital healthcare services.

“Many residents have been in touch to raise their anxieties about Bupa’s decision. My office and I are actively pursuing a meeting with the head of Bupa's dentistry division to discuss how this situation has occurred, but have yet to hear back from them.

“Those at Bupa must urgently lay out how they will help patients find an alternative provider, because suggestions that the nearest dental practices accepting NHS patients could be in Newcastle are frankly unacceptable."

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In response, Bupa says it will support patients affected by the closures and will help them find an alternative provider. It sys national shortages of dentists have been worsened by the NHS contract model, and because of an increased demand and complexity of care since the Covid pandemic.

A spokesman added: “This decision will allow commissioners to procure new local providers and so provide a better opportunity for maintaining access to NHS dental services for affected patients.”