Sidley dentist suspended

Dirk van Moerbeke, of the Silk dental surgery, in Ninfield Road, is facing investigation into his practice by the General Dental Council. As a result, Mr van Moerbeke's NHS patients may have to go elsewhere or face the cost of private treatment.

Practice Manager, Lorraine Powell, said: "The Primary Care Trust have told us that we cannot give out NHS treatment at the moment.

"We have put signs up saying that we cannot provide an NHS service at this time and there is nothing we can do about the situation. A new NHS dentist we are recruiting will be providing the service.

"We were not aware this was going to happen and we just have to explain to patients there is no NHS service currently."

Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust declined to comment on why Mr van Moerbeke has been suspended, but have assured the public replacement treatment will be offered.

In a statement, the trust said: "Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust has recently formally suspended Sidley dentist Mr Dirk van Moerbeke from NHS practice pending further investigation into his practice by the General Dental Council.

"The PCT is making arrangements to ensure that treatment is available for NHS patients of Mr Dirk van Moerbeke."

Patients who need urgent treatment should contact the dental helpline on 01273 403546 or the emergency dental service on 01424 850792 for further information.

NHS patients who require a routine check up can contact the helpline or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.