A dental practice which has offered an NHS service to patients for 20 years has announced that it will close.

The Lyme Bay Dental Practice based at Kent House in Lyme Regis announced it will close its doors on Sunday, March 31.

A statement from the practice put out on social media confirmed that it has ‘advised’ patients on the forthcoming closure.

A letter addressed to patients informed them that any appointment booked with the practice after this date will be cancelled, unless the patient were to contact the dentist to discuss alternative access to care. 

It added that the practice is closing fully, meaning that they will be unable to offer even private services for patients.

It is believed that the centre will still offer health care.

A statement on its Facebook page said: “We have started to advise patients about the closure of dental services at Kent House Health Centre.

“We would like to clarify that the practice is closing so we are unable to keep any patients on the list in a private capacity.

“Due to the increased demand, the staff are dealing with calls and enquiries as quickly as they can so please be patient,” they added.

Those looking to attend another NHS dental practice have been advised that these can be found on www.nhs.uk or by calling the NHS on 111 for urgent needs. 

The Bridport News reached out to the Lyme Bay Dental Practice for comment.