Last month's story revealed a shortage of NHS provision on the Island, while dentists at the Island's two main practices were finding it difficult to take on any new patients, even private ones.

However, Hayling dentist Dr Nandi Harindra has told the Islander that she still has some vacancies for private patients.

And clinical dental technician Mr Lee Butler offers a complete service for people needing help with dentures and other removable dental appliances.

Dr Harindra has around 2,000 patients, including some who receive NHS treatment.

In 2001, she started working on the Island with another dentist, Dr David Griffiths.

Since Dr Griffiths retired in 2003, she has worked alone at her own surgery at 31 Rails Lane, which is open four full days per week (Monday to Thursday) and one Saturday per month, from 9am to 2pm.

She said: "I started by offering NHS treatment to all children and some adults, but the economics of the situation have changed, and now – with a few exceptions – I have stopped taking on new NHS patients.

"I would like to be able to offer more NHS treatments, but the way the new NHS contract is devised, this is almost impossible under the new regulations, which came in about two years ago.

"As far as I'm concerned, I do have spaces to take on new private patients and we never turn away people who come to us with pain or swellings. We will always do our best to help."

Lee Butler, who has his own clinic called Direct Denture Care at 44 Creek Road, is one of only about 90 clinically-trained dental technicians (CDTs) in the country - a qualification which requires eight years' training.
Due to recent changes in legislation, CDTs are now allowed to fit and maintain false teeth.

Some patients may be offered a treatment plan by their dentists for part dentures, which can be taken to Mr Butler to be fulfilled.

He explained: "Many people don't realise they have a choice about where they go to have their denture treatment.

"We offer a fast and economical service, tailored to the patient's needs.

"I always carry out a full oral health check, automatically checking for any problems or abnormalities.

"If necessary, I can quickly refer the patient to a dentist in the area, including some who are just off the Island.

"We can provide dentures, gum shields, bite guards, anti-snoring devices and removable dental appliances, such as removable bridges.

"We can also adjust and repair existing dentures, which may be ill-fitting or damaged. This often greatly improves the patient's comfort and appearance."

For more details, please call Direct Denture Care on 023 9246 6252, or Dr Harindra's surgery on 9246 2419.