A new five-clinic dental service is set to open on the Isle of Wight, providing NHS dental care to up to 7,000 patients.
The County Hall has approved a planning application submitted by the dental group Harunani & Co to convert the ground floors of 51 and 52 High Street, Ryde, into NHS dental clinics.
The clinic is planned to have five dentists, five dental nurses, two reception staff and a manager, further strengthening local health services.
Earlier this year, the council also approved plans by another dental provider, Damira Dental, to open 10 clinics at 7-8 High Street.
Harunani & Co’s application (no. 25/00741/FUL) involves a change of use of the first and second floors of the building at 52. The upper floors of the two three-storey buildings are currently two duplex apartments, and the ground floor was previously used as a massage parlour and health clinic, but is currently vacant.
Andrew White Planning Consultants, representing the applicant, said the application was intended to respond to the contract awarded to Harunani Dental Group by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to address the lack of NHS dental services on the Isle of Wight. Harunani Group has previously successfully established 18 NHS dental clinics in several deprived areas across the country.
The planning decision report pointed out that the supply of NHS dental services on the Isle of Wight has been under-supplied for a long time, and this project will use additional financial support to meet the unmet medical needs of the local area.
Planners said that they welcome the proposal to improve the island’s public service infrastructure, and also support the new jobs and its excellent location, which will help revitalize the city center.
The improvement of public services is expected to significantly improve medical conditions, benefit up to 7,000 patients, and reduce health inequalities and disease burden.