A DENTAL practice will change what treatment, including NHS care, which is available at the practice as part of a shake up of its services.

North Hill Dental says from the start of September its Layer Road clinic will offer independent or private care, with some NHS treatment still on offer.

Children and those with a maternity or NHS exemption will still be able to get health service treatment at the surgery, whilst emergency NHS care will also still be on offer.

The news was announced in a letter sent to patients, which has been seen by the Gazette.

It said Covid had led to rethink on the future of its services.

The surgery said its NHS contract is not changing but its services will change to focus on urgent dental care, treatment for children as well as an expanded treatment list for residents.

The letter said: "Due to the restrictions and measures we have had to put in place, as a result we have been faced with the decision to make a few changes to the service we provide.

"We want to focus heavily on prevention and oral health promotion for children and under 18s so their future dental health is protected, therefore our NHS dental care capacity here at Layer Road will unfortunately be restricted to children and patients with a maternity exemption and other NHS exempt patients only.

"In addition to this we are also acting as an urgent dental centre while Covid is happening so will be allocating a certain amount of time a day for pain appointments and pain management on the NHS, again to help patients in need."

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The practice says it is offering membership plans to help residents afford treatment going forward.

Under the membership plan a check up will cost £25, compared with £23.80 under the NHS.

Services such as having a filling will not change in price under the plan.

The letter adds: "Until September 1 our services will continue unchanged.

"All NHS treatment commenced before then will be completed by us.

"If you have an appointment before September 1, we could answer any questions you may have or assess you for the most appropriate membership plan while you are in."

It adds: "If you do not wish to join a membership plan you can become a pay as you go patient, however, you would not receive discount on additional treatment or the other benefits you get on the membership plan."