One service for NHS treatment for under 18s is to be saved

The two practices in Penzance are the Bay and Queen Square.

Managers say they regret the choice but blame low NHS fees forcing them to take on large numbers of patients and rush them through in order to make a living.

It is the latest blow to the NHS dental service in the region which is already reaching crisis point.

It is a treadmill. you're running to try and stand still Dean Moonie

For the last 12 years, the Bay dental practice has given care on the NHS to about 5,000 people. It will go fully private in September.

One of the partners of the practice, Dean Moonie, said it was regrettable but an NHS system that pays per procedure means working like a machine, and that is not good for staff.

He said: "It's probably due to quality of life, for want of a better expression.

"It is OK as an exception to see 35 to 40 people a day. But if it's day after day, week after week, and another 10 or 20 people trying to get in to see you that day as well, with very little respite, there's very little light at the end of the tunnel."

Patient John Murrish said of when he was told the news: "He's a good guy, Mr Moonie. But he said it's just not worth him doing what he's doing now.

"It's not the dentists' fault, but it doesn't help the patients who now just don't know what they're going to do."

Expensive dentistry

At the Queen Square practice, an NHS list of 700 people is also being cut, although a service for under 18s is to remain.

Edward Robertson has worked there since qualifying nine months ago and is soon to work at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

However, he said that despite practices going private, the NHS service must remain.

He said: "It's vitally important. The majority of the population cannot afford private dentistry because it's not cheap.

"It's imperative that those who cannot afford such care can still get treatment."

A new system where an NHS dentist's income is guaranteed for three years is being trialled in Cornwall.