A new NHS dental clinic is set to open in Ryde, offering services to as many as 7,000 patients on the Isle of Wight.
The Harunani & Co Group of Dentists received planning permission from County Hall to convert the ground floor of 51 and 52 High Street into a five-surgery dental practice. The clinic will employ five dentists, five dental nurses, two receptionists, and one manager.
Earlier this year, the council also approved plans for another NHS dental practice with ten surgeries at 7–8 High Street, developed by Damira Dental.
The approved plan for Harunani & Co (application 25/00741/FUL) includes changing the use of the first and second floors of number 52 High Street, which currently contain duplex flats. The ground floor, formerly occupied by a massage parlour and wellbeing clinic, has been vacant.
According to a statement by Andrew White Planning Consultancy on behalf of the applicant, the new clinic responds to a contract awarded by the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. The contract aims to tackle the shortage of NHS dental services on the Isle of Wight.
The Harunani Group has experience establishing 18 dental practices across the UK in areas with high dental care needs.
Planners said the new clinic will greatly improve access to NHS dentistry on the island. It will help meet some of the current unmet demand and support the health and wellbeing of local residents.
The planning report noted that the development will also enhance public service infrastructure and boost the vitality and viability of Ryde’s town centre.