An Isle of Wight dental practice is to be saved from potential closure, the NHS has confirmed.

The MyDentist practice in Freshwater, which was previously at risk due to severe staff shortages, has secured a new provider.

Its closure would have left approximately 10,000 people across Freshwater, Totland and Yarmouth without access to NHS dental care.

The NHS confirmed that discussions with dental providers had been ongoing behind the scenes since MyDentist announced the potential closure.

Due to the sensitivity of contract negotiations, the NHS has been unable to comment publicly until now. 

However, a spokesperson confirmed that a new provider is in place to take over the Freshwater contract, ensuring that the practice will remain open.

More details will be available soon.

Islander Ieuan Jehu had been campaigning to save the practice, gaining widespread support with a petition calling on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to intervene. 

The petition emphasised the importance of delaying the closure until a new provider could be found, highlighting the severe impact it would have on the community, both in terms of access to care and potential job losses.

Earlier this year, MyDentist's Newport practice closed, and their Ryde branch transitioned to offering only private care. 

This news heightened concerns over the future of the Freshwater branch, prompting the community to take action.