Only one dentist in Weston is taking on new patients, according to NHS

Andrei Dinu and Elis Dinu, who can be found on 131 High Street, are the only dentists in the Weston and Worle area that are accepting new patients –  but only if they have been referred by another dentist.

However, there are numerous dental practices that haven't confirmed if they are or not, according to the NHS website.

This follows reports that access to dentistry in the area is "challenging" and that work needs to be done to improve this issue.

Here is the full list of dentists on the NHS website with a Weston or Worle address:

• mydentist, Oxford Street - not accepting new patients.
• mydentist, Beaconsfield Road - not accepting new patients.
• Boulevard Dental Practice - not accepting new patients.
• D A & C Houston & Associates - not confirmed.
• Weston Orthodontics - not accepting new patients.
• Avon SPCDS - not confirmed.
• Andrei Dinu and Elis Dinu - only taking NHS patients referred by another dentist.
• Dr Nigel J. Newton's Dental Care - not confirmed.

There are some practices around the town that are offering appointments for referred patients.

This includes Bridgwater Dental Access Centre in Bridgwater, Smile Solution Ltd in Bristol, and Wells Orthodontic Practice in Wells.

When asked by the Weston Mercury what the reason behind this is, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB said that they understand that access to dentistry can be challenging for many.

They also said that they are trying "to improve the situation for local people."

A spokesperson said: “We continue to engage extensively with local dental clinicians, their representatives and partners, as part of a wider South West Dental Reform programme, to encourage and support them to continue to provide services for NHS patients.

“We are aware that access to NHS dentistry in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is challenging and we are working had to try and improve the situation for local people.”