More than 700 patients, both NHS and private, have been affected by the sudden closure of River Practice, an orthodontist in Cornwall, in April 2026. The regional health body, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), terminated the practice's contract after finding it was "no longer meeting the standards required".
Many patients, including 16-year-old Jacob, have been left with braces but no ongoing treatment plan. Jacob, an NHS patient, expressed concern that his brace, fitted 18 months ago, has not been checked for four months, aside from emergency appointments. His mother fears the brace could be causing more harm than good.
A BBC investigation found that former staff members had raised concerns with NHS bodies up to six months before the contract termination, including issues of unpaid debts and missing equipment. The NHS states it increased oversight of the practice prior to its closure.
NHS patients are currently being transferred to a new provider based on "clinical priority". However, private patients have been advised by the General Dental Council (GDC) to contact the Dental Complaints Service or their debit/credit card provider if practice owners are unresponsive.