December 4, 2018 11.29 am This story is over 63 months old

Mablethorpe dentist closure will affect over 7,000

It is the last dentist in the seaside town
The practice says there is no risk to patients | Stock image

Around 7,000 patients will need to register with a new dentist after the last NHS practice in Mablethorpe announced its closure.

Bupa Dental Care surgery, on Stanley Avenue, has made the decision to close on February 8.

The dental practice has blamed “long-term dentist recruitment issues” for the closure.

Campaigners say they’re determined to fight the closure, which would see patients travelling to practices in Louth, Grimsby or Skegness.

Valerie Corkell, a local resident, said: “We keep being told about the children’s oral health.

“We need to do something to make sure they don’t end up like me. Toothless.”

Patients have tried to register at other nearby dentist practices, but some said they’ve been turned away.

Jim Heys, locality director at NHS England in Lincolnshire, said: “We appreciate this may mean that some people will have to travel further in the short term.

“We are working hard to identify how services can best be provided locally in the future.”