A HEALTHCARE company will sell its dental branch in Kendal after citing challenges associated with finding doctors to deliver NHS care.

Bupa is closing, merging or selling 85 dental practices in the UK in a move that will affect 1,200 employed and self-employed staff.

It blames this on a lack of dentists in addition to increased running costs caused by inflation and high energy prices. 

A spokesperson from Bupa said in relation to the Kendal practice on Stramongate: "We have taken the very difficult decision to seek an alternative owner for the practice due to the shortage of dentists to deliver NHS care. We are optimistic that a local provider can be found to continue access to dental services in the local community.

"We want to reassure patients that this practice is currently open as usual.

"Changes are due to take place later in the year, and we will write to all patients to explain what it means for them.

"This decision will allow the NHS contract to transfer to a new owner, so that access to NHS dental services can continue for patients.

"We will be fully supporting our people to explore alternative roles within Bupa." 

Mark Allen, general manager for Bupa Dental Care said: “As a leading dental provider in the UK, our priority must be to enable patients to receive the care they need. For the majority of affected practices, this decision will allow commissioners to procure local providers for the NHS contract, tailoring services and investment to the needs of the local community, thereby providing a better opportunity for patients to continue access to NHS dental services.”

READ MORE: Avondale Dental in Grange ends contract amid dental crisis

“We fully understand the impact today’s decision has on our patients and our people within these practices. This decision has not been taken lightly and closure is a last resort. Despite our continued efforts, the dental industry is facing a number of significant and systemic challenges that are placing additional pressure on providing patient care, in particular recruiting dentists to deliver NHS dental care.

"This decision enables us to focus our efforts on high-quality, continued sustainable care for patients across our wider portfolio.” 

In February, Avondale Dental in Grange ended its NHS contract. The practice owner blamed years of under-investment in NHS dentistry for making the model unworkable.