A NEW dental practice has opened in Maryport and is taking NHS patients - but has issued a warning over the importance of not missing appointments.

Alauna Dental Practice opened at the end of the July in the former Bupa unit on Bridge Street, and so far there has been a huge demand for the service, which is predominantly taking on NHS patients.

The practice is taking on both adults and children to their NHS patient list, saying 'we are not holding back and we are not going to postcode restrict either, we just want people willing to attend the appointments.'

Dr Mohammed Sarfraz has moved to Maryport to be the principal dentist in the new practice and has been encouraged by the response in the town.

He said: “It's been very intense. We are booked two weeks ahead and word is getting out now that we are taking on NHS patients. Someone will come in and say 'I’ve heard from someone, can I register my family'... we are definitely busy basically."

The dentist is bucking a trend across the county and nationally, with many practices going completely private and concerns being raised over the lack of NHS dentists in the area throughout recent times.

When asked about the reception from people to see an NHS dentist opening on their doorstep, Dr Sarfraz said: “It’s been fantastic. I think it’s a very nice relationship I have had with my patients, they are telling us nice places to eat, nice places to visit... they’re really understanding that we are outsiders but are welcoming us brilliantly.

"I have nothing but kind words for the people of Maryport and the surrounding areas."

People have praised the new practice on social media, with one woman thanking the practice for helping her little girl getting rid of her dummy, after Dr Safraz told her she would have to let it go to get a ‘princess smile’.

He said: "Everything is just there to make everyone feel like they are not just there to join a queue in the NHS, I am privileged to be able to see people and I have got to take care of them."

Despite the many positives, the dental practice has encouraged all of those with appointments to turn up. Dr Sarfraz said: “The harshest, most disheartening thing is when people are missing their appointments.

"We lost 40 minutes because a whole family didn’t turn up and yet the NHS is under demand to see patients."