A dental practice which provides much-needed NHS services says it will remain closed until Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital (RDCH) fully reopens.

Smile Dental Practice had temporarily relocated all services to Manx Care’s Hillside Dental Practice in Douglas while essential works are carried out at RDCH, where the practice is usually based.

Manx Care said the ‘short-term arrangement’ would remain in place until the works are completed no later than the end of April. During this period, Hillside Dental Practice has been hosting Smile Dental Practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

However, last month Manx Care revealed the date for the reopening of RDCH had been pushed back after it emerged further ‘significant structural work’ was needed on the roof.

The announcement by Smile has taken Manx Care by surprise, and it says it is now looking into the situation.

In its announcement, Smile Dental Care said this week: ‘We would like to inform all patients that our practice will remain closed until the reopening of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

‘We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

‘We will continue to share updates as soon as further information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support.’

Manx Care has moved to try and allay fears among dental patients over the disruption the decision by Smile Dental Care will have.

A spokesperson for Manx Care said: ‘We are aware that Smile Dental Care is not currently providing dental services and are attempting to establish contact with the provider.

‘We recognise that this situation will be concerning and inconvenient for patients and we sincerely apologise for the disruption and uncertainty it has caused.

‘Please be reassured that work is taking place to clarify the position and restore local dental provision. In the meantime, it is important that patients are aware of the support that is available to them.’

Some services have remained at RDCH’s newly refurbished Martin Ward, while others have been moved to Noble’s Hospital.

The further work planned includes significant roof repairs, removing redundant chimney stacks and sealing gaps in the roof to prevent birds, vermin or water entering the building. The full extent of the work only became clear following detailed inspections.

Phase one is currently underway and is expected to be completed by mid-May 2026. This will allow several services to return ahead of the Isle of Man TT fortnight, including the Minor Injuries Unit, bone density scanning, radiology, blood clinics and outpatient appointments.

Meanwhile, Manx Care says patients requiring urgent or emergency dental treatment can access care by contacting 01624 642785.

During weekends and bank holiday periods, an emergency dental rota operates and details are available via www.gov.im/dentists.

Manx Care says urgent dental care includes conditions such as severe dental pain, facial or oral swelling, uncontrolled bleeding and dental trauma.

Patients are asked not to attend dental services without prior contact, as urgent and emergency dental care is delivered across a number of locations and access is arranged following assessment.

The Manx Care spokesperson said: ‘We will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.’