Norfolk's dental crisis has been dealt another blow after a Waveney town's surgery fell victim to Bupa's national cuts - while another is in jeopardy.

The private provider - which also offers NHS treatment at some practices - has revealed plans to cut 85 of its sites nationwide, while others are set to merge.

Eastern Daily Press: Bupa's dental surgery in Harleston, which is due to close. Picture: GoogleBupa's dental surgery in Harleston, which is due to close. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

Under proposals revealed by Bupa this week, its Harleston site is set to close while the North Walsham practice is in under review and could face the same fate.

Mark Allan, general manager for Bupa Dental Care, said the decision had been made due to struggles in attracting dentists to carry out NHS work.

He said: "We fully understand the impact this decision has on our patients and our people within these practices.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and closures are a last resort.

"Despite our continued efforts, the dental industry is facing a number of significant and systemic challenges that are placing additional pressure on providing patient care, in particular recruiting dentists to deliver NHS dental care."

Bupa said it would be handing back any NHS contracts it holds to allow commissioners to put them back out to tender.

However, NHS bosses have found it increasingly difficult in recent years to find dentists to fill these contracts.

Eastern Daily Press: Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch NorfolkAlex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk (Image: Archant)

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: "Any closure or review about the future of a dentist practice will concern us.

"From our recent research we know that it is almost impossible to find non-emergency NHS dental care if you are not already on the books of a dentist.

"Responsibility for NHS dentistry is about to move to a local level and we hope those at NHS Norfolk and Waveney will be working with other dental providers to explore contracts and proactively explore how these patients can be cared for in the weeks and months ahead."