NHS DENTAL services will continue in Swanage, health chiefs have confirmed.

The announcement, in January, that the only NHS practice in town – the Regency Dental Practice – was going private created a storm of protest.

Concerned mum-of-two Mandy Mason, 43, launched a campaign, piling pressure on health bosses to ensure NHS dental cover was available.

Regency owner Andrew Thomas blamed “increasingly difficult” NHS constraints as the reason for his decision to go private.

Now, Keith Williams, from NHS Dorset, has confirmed: “Following the decision of Mr Thomas to cease his contract earlier this year, the NHS Bournemouth and Poole and NHS Dorset cluster has been undergoing a procurement process to ensure NHS dental services continue in the town.

“To date, we have received around 40 expressions of interest.

“It is anticipated the successful bidder will be awarded the contract from the end of May, but it may take longer for them to establish the practice in town.”