A new dentist will take over in Freshwater at the end of the month, after the community joined forces in a concerted effort to protect NHS patients in the West Wight.

Family-run Denbigh House, based in Ryde, will succeed mydentist, following weeks of discussions between NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight and local NHS dental providers.

As previously reported, Totland resident, Ieuan Jehu, started a petition, collecting more than 2,000 signatures, which West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, presented to Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, and Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock.

Following the announcement, Director of Primary Care at NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight, James Roach, said: “I’m very pleased that patients will be able to continue to access NHS dentistry from Freshwater. I know there has been much concern locally over the future of the practice, and we are very grateful for the support from the community while we worked towards a solution.

“While these discussions have been taking place behind the scenes due to their sensitive nature, we are now pleased that we can reassure the community that we have been and will always take steps to ensure a positive solution for patients. We know there is more work to do on the Isle of Wight to improve NHS dentistry access, and we continue working towards this goal with a plan for the Island.”

Edward Day, of Denbigh House, and St James’ Clinic, added: “My wife and I are extremely proud to be in a position to continue to provide dental care for the people of Freshwater. The way the community has come together to support the practice is phenomenal and is testament to the wonderful and caring team at the practice. We are extremely excited to be able to support this team moving forward.

“I hope this will reassure people that the practice will remain open and remain NHS. We have had a lot of support from NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight and local community representatives and many more, and we look forward to continue providing NHS dental care to local patients.”

Ieuan said: “Obviously I’m really happy there will be a new dentist, but mydentist staff have been bombarded by requests to join as new patients, and this really shows that this one provider is nowhere near enough to meet people’s needs.

“The plan is now to build on this and have more dentists available on the Island. I am especially pleased that Denbigh House are taking over; they are the ideal people for the practice.”

Mr Quigley was also delighted, saying: “The Integrated Care Board has worked hard to ensure the Freshwater practice has stayed open and worked quickly with an Island dentist to maintain the list and staff.

“I’m in regular contact with them to find ways of increasing NHS provision, something they are committed to, but haven’t had the support of the previous government. I’m asking my government to look at coastal Units of Dental Activity (UDA) payments to help recruit new NHS dentists.”

Residents are being urged not to contact the mydentist reception requesting to be put on the patient register, or checking to see if the current register will continue. Reception is unable to answer any queries. Details will be provided in the coming weeks.