Thousands of patients are set to be left without a dentist after a practice revealed it was to go private.
The Manningtree Dental Practice has written to its current patients telling them of the change.
From July, patients will face an annual bill of up to £116, or have to look elsewhere for treatment.
The nearest practice is thought to be either in Colchester, Ipswich or Clacton.
There are currently 8,000 people on the books. But under the new private scheme, there will be room for only 3,000, plus 1,500 people who are exempt from charges.
That means those who sign up to the new scheme quickest will be taken on, leaving about 3,500 residents with no dentist.
Principal dentist Colin Clamp stressed it had been an extremely difficult decision, but with the equivalent of just two-and-a-half dentists, it was impossible to carry on as a NHS practice.
Mr Clamp said there was a general problem with recruiting suitable dentists, and without them, there would be longer delays for patients needing treatment.
The letter, which was delivered to all patients yesterday, said the centre did have five dentists, but one left a year ago and the practice had then been running at "full stretch".
Published Friday January 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article