An NHS dental practice in Ryde has confirmed it will only provide private care come the new year, in what is another blow to Isle of Wight patients seeking treatment.

Following news that MyDentist will close its Newport surgery in January, the provider has now announced changes to its Ryde branch.

From February, the practice on Cross Street, will 'move away' from offering NHS treatment, a spokesperson told the County Press.

It means patients will have to fork out for private care, or find another dentist.

Read more: Isle of Wight closure of Newport MyDentist practice

MyDentist said its dentists, who are self-employed, have made the 'difficult decision' due to 'unprecedented pressure' facing NHS dentistry.

A spokesperson told the County Press: "We apologise to patients who have been impacted by this and we continue to offer affordable private treatments to ensure as many patients as possible can get access to the care they need.

“NHS dentistry is facing unprecedented pressure which, since the pandemic, has resulted in many clinicians choosing to move away from providing NHS treatments across the sector. 

"Our self-employed dentists at our practice in Ryde have made the same difficult decision."

Yesterday (Monday), the County Press revealed that the MyDentist practice on Gray's Walk, Newport would shut at the end of January.

The provider blamed an 'acute shortage' of dentists and subsequent 'recruitment challenges' for its imminent closure.

Patients are already struggling to find practices on the Island.

In September, watchdog, Healthwatch Isle of Wight told of the almost impossible searches to source NHS surgeries taking on new patients.

MyDentist said its Freshwater practice, on Avenue Road, would not be affected by the changes.