A new NHS dental practice in Wellington, Somerset, has been warmly welcomed by residents after years of limited public dental services in the town.
Heather Bubb, 77, praised the opening of the surgery as “wonderful.” She had been a patient at her previous dentist for more than 25 years before the practice went private in 2023, leaving her with an unaffordable bill of £5,500. As a pensioner, Ms. Bubb said she could not have managed the costs of private care.
“We all have to save as we get older because things like this come up unexpectedly,” she said. “I have a small amount of savings, which I hope I wouldn’t have to use for dental care. It feels wonderful to have this new service available.”
The new clinic, located on an industrial estate, is the first NHS dental service in Wellington in a decade. Before even opening its doors, the practice received applications from 4,000 patients, highlighting the urgent demand in an area previously described by health officials as a “dental desert.”
Dr. Nadeem Harunani, of the firm Dentistry for You, explained the motivation behind the new surgery. “We wanted to see if we could help provide dental access under the NHS,” he said. Dr. Harunani admitted that establishing the clinic in Wellington presented challenges, but he was determined to meet the community’s needs.
“It feels amazing – it makes it all the more worthwhile,” he added. “The response from the local community was overwhelming. Around 4,000 people expressed interest through our website even before we opened.”
Due to the high demand, the practice has temporarily closed expressions of interest for new patients. Dr. Harunani confirmed that registrations would reopen once additional staff are employed.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care welcomed the new practice, noting the positive impact it will have on local families. “The opening of this dental practice in Somerset is excellent news. Residents will now have better access to the care they need right on their doorstep,” they said.
The spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to improve NHS dental services nationwide. “This government inherited a dental system that had suffered from years of neglect. We are working to fix it through our Plan for Change. We are rolling out extra urgent dental appointments, reforming NHS dental contracts, and focusing on prevention to ensure dentists are fairly rewarded for their work.”
For residents like Ms. Bubb, the new clinic represents more than convenience—it provides peace of mind. “Knowing I can access NHS dental care without worrying about huge costs is a relief,” she said. “It really does feel wonderful to have this service in our town.”
The new Wellington dental practice is a clear example of how community-focused NHS initiatives can address long-standing gaps in care, especially in areas that have struggled with access for years.