There are fears for hundreds of NHS dental patients on the Isle of Wight after one practice confirmed it was shutting and a second said it was going private.

Already "unacceptable" struggles to find an NHS dentist appointment on the Island have only worsened, with news Mydentist is to close its Newport surgery in the New Year.

In "another blow", the decision has also been made to stop treating NHS patients at the provider's Ryde practice.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight said the dire situation on the Island is "causing distress" to many, while Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said his patience with health bosses is "wearing thin".

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The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), which took control of Island dentistry from NHS England around a year ago, said it could not say how many Islanders are waiting for an NHS dentist due to the way figures are recorded.

But it said it is aware access needs to be improved and it will invest millions over the next few years.

Joanna Smith, manager at Healthwatch Isle of Wight, said the watchdog was "particularly concerned" about the impact on children and older people.

She said: "Some people have told us that they cannot afford to pay privately to get their dentures fixed and as a result, this is severely limiting their diet.

"Others are having to choose between paying for food, utility bills, or dental bills."

Mr Seely said some of the pressures at the Emergency Department at St Mary's Hospital are being caused by dentistry emergencies.

In an attempt to find solutions, he said he has met with Island dental practices, including Mydentist, spoken in parliamentary debates, and written to ministers and the ICB.

He said: “I am very aware of the delays and thank Islanders for their patience. My patience with the failure of the Hampshire-based ICB to provide greater support for dentistry is wearing thin.

"I will be writing to them again."

An 'acute shortage' of dentists and subsequent 'recruitment challenges' are being blamed for the closure of Mydentist's Newport, Pyle Street branch.

At its Ryde, Cross Street practice, the provider said its self-employed dentists have made the "difficult decision" to move away from NHS treatments.

The ICB admitted there are "challenges" in recruiting NHS dentists on the Island "within the parameters of a national contract".

"We are aware that access needs to be improved so that patients can see an NHS dentist close to where they live", a spokesperson said.

Over the next few years, it said it is investing £6million on projects, which includes boosting the dental workforce.

Joanna, from Healthwatch, said a referral-only dental bus will be coming over to the Island in January, prioritising children and pregnant women.

She said: "In addition to this, commissioners are working to get Island dentists paid a higher rate due to the additional costs of providing services on the Island."

In the meantime, the ICB is encouraging patients to visit the NHS website to see what practices are accepting new patients.