Relaying of The Lawns at Long Sutton dental practice

Patients at a Long Sutton dental surgery are adjusting to a gradual changing of hands after 27 years.

Dr Garwyn Elias is working through a transitional period at The Lawns Dental Practice in London Road, alongside Dr Petros Mapanda who officially takes over the surgery next Wednesday.

Dr Elias has established a very friendly, trustworthy and reliable dental service, showing lots of energy for a man who is 65

Dr Mapanda, originally from Zimbabwe, will be joined by his wife Dr Tracey Ramsavas and, together, the couple have nearly 50 years’ experience in dentistry.

“We expressed in interest in buying the practice in the middle of April last year,” Dr Mapanda said.

“From then onwards, we had to show our interest not just to Dr Elias, but also to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS England in Lincolnshire to starte the ball rolling on getting registered with them.

“The whole process takes quite a long time, almost a whole year.

“But from March 1, the practice will entirely be in mine and my wife’s names.”

Drs Mapanda and Ramsavas started working at The Lawns last September, having previously practised dentistry in King’s Lynn and Peterborough.

But Dr Elias has agreed to give them a helping hand during the changeover, staying on to work part-time at The Lawns until his retirement for good in August 2018.

Dr Mapanda said: “As a goodwill gesture, Dr Elias has agreed to stay on to reassure patients because people’s health is very important.

“We’re offering patients an 18-month period where they can become accustomed to the fact that Dr Elias will be retiring.”

The CQC, which monitors and inspects health care services in England, inspected The Lawns in October 2012 and found that “people experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights”.

Dr Mapanda said: “Dr Elias has established a very friendly, trustworthy and reliable dental service, showing lots of energy for a man who is 65.

“Myself and Dr Ramsavas came to the practice last September and we’ve met some very kind and very friendly people in the short time we’ve been here.

“We both like the fact that it’s less stressful, there’s less traffic and you can smell the fresh air of the countryside.”