A new dental practice could open in a Norfolk town by the end of this month – and will offer places to NHS patients.

The Dental Design Studio's takeover of Bupa Dental Care in North Walsham is imminent, after the dental practice was put up for sale last year.

Dr Jeff Sherer, clinical director at The Dental Design Studio, said he hopes to open the new Market Place practice this month.

North Norfolk News: Bupa Dental Care in market Place, North WalshamBupa Dental Care in market Place, North Walsham (Image: Google Maps)

"We are very excited that the completion of the practice purchase in North Walsham is not far away now," he said.

"We are looking forward to revitalising the practice and offering NHS and private dental treatment.

"Our team of dentists, therapists, hygienists, nurses and reception staff are all eager to get started and provide everyone with the best available dental care.

"You can now register your interest in the practice by emailing the team at northwalsham@the-dds.co.uk"

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North Norfolk News: Dr Jeff Sherer, clinical director at The Dental Design StudioDr Jeff Sherer, clinical director at The Dental Design Studio (Image: The Dental Design Studio)

The Dental Design Studio group is made up of 20 dental practices owned by Dr Sherer and Dr Larry Levin, who bought their first practice in the region in 2010.

Bupa Dental Care was put up for sale last year after the private healthcare provider announced it would close, sell or merge 85 of its 475 practices in the UK and Ireland.

Bupa said the decision was made due to a national dentist shortage and increased costs caused by inflation in the cost of living crisis. 

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North Norfolk News: Dr Kristina Nadizadeh, who will be one of the new dentists at The Dental Design StudioDr Kristina Nadizadeh, who will be one of the new dentists at The Dental Design Studio (Image: The Dental Design Studio)

The industry has also been affected by higher energy prices, raising the cost of running patient services.

The move has affected 1,200 staff - representing more than 10pc of its 9,000 workers. 

Bupa, which provides both private and NHS dental care, said it has not been able to recruit enough dentists for NHS care in many of its practices for months and, in some cases, years.