A vital new NHS dental practice, Crewkerne Dental Care, has opened its doors in Somerset, addressing the growing demand for NHS dental services in the area. Commissioned by NHS Somerset and managed by Dentistry For You, the practice welcomed its first patients in May and quickly became a hub for dental care in the community.
Prior to opening, an impressive 4,500 people—roughly 75% from Crewkerne itself—expressed interest through an online portal and phone line in April, highlighting the urgent need for NHS dental services locally. Since opening, the Bere Court-based practice has treated hundreds of patients from this initial group.
On July 13, the practice held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting attended by local MP Adam Dance, Dr. Esmail Harunani from Dentistry For You, and Jonathan Higman, CEO of NHS Somerset. Although the practice is not yet accepting in-person registrations, staff are focused on providing care to the registered patients and plan to reopen registration soon.
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Crewkerne Dental Care is the third new NHS practice launched by NHS Somerset since October 2025, following successful openings in Wellington and Chard. Collectively, these new practices are expected to serve up to 20,000 patients annually, significantly expanding access to NHS dental care across the region.
Yeovil MP Adam Dance praised the new practice, noting its positive impact on local residents who previously struggled to find NHS dental appointments. “These new services demonstrate the power of collaboration in improving healthcare access,” Dance said, while emphasizing the ongoing need for investment and reform in NHS dentistry.
Recent data suggests NHS dental services in Somerset are improving, with about 10,000 more treatments delivered in 2025/26 compared to the previous year—reversing a decline in NHS dentistry activity seen since the pandemic.
Jonathan Higman highlighted the importance of these new practices as part of a wider recovery plan aimed at improving dental access across the region. NHS Somerset is commissioning 15,500 units of dental activity (UDAs) annually from the Crewkerne practice to meet community needs.
For urgent dental care, residents are advised to contact NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. Crewkerne Dental Care’s opening marks a significant step forward in restoring vital NHS dental care for Somerset residents.