An NHS dentist has been suspended amid an investigation by dental watchdogs, forcing 3,500 patients to look elsewhere for treatment.

An inquiry has been launched by the General Dental Council (GDC) into the practice of Dirk van Moerbeke.

He has been formally suspended from his position at the Silk Dental Practice in Ninfield Road, Sidley, Bexhill.

The reasons behind his suspension are not being disclosed by the Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust (PCT).

However, the move has meant patients are without a dentist, leaving them with the dilemma of going elsewhere or paying for private treatment.

Signs telling people no NHS treatment is available have been put up at the practice and letters are being sent out.

Practice manager Lorraine Powell said Mr van Moerbeke's suspension was a complete surprise and she had not been told the reasons behind it.

Although the practice is "actively recruiting", a dentist may not be in place until as late as May. In the meantime, patients needing urgent surgery are being advised to call a helpline and those needing routine checks to call NHS Direct.

Mrs Powell said: "Unfortunately we were given no prior knowledge from the PCT about the suspension so we haven't been able to prepare for it.

"He is our only NHS dentist and it means about 3,500 people are affected."

In a statement, the PCT said: "Bexhill and Rother PCT has recently formally suspended Sidley dentist Mr Dirk van Moerbeke from NHS practice pending further investigation by the GDC.

"The PCT is making arrangements to ensure treatment is available for NHS patients."

Mr van Moerbeke registered with the GDC in June 1997 after qualifying in Brussels in 1977.

In a statement, the GDC said: "We have received information about Mr Dirk van Moerbeke from Bexhill and Rother PCT. We will consider the information and decide what action, if any, we need to take.

"Our procedures are quite separate from NHS disciplinary procedures."

There have been widespread calls for reform of dental care after the Audit Commission warned last year that four out of ten dentists in England and Wales would not accept new NHS patients.

It has led to images of hundreds of people queuing to register with an NHS dentist, the latest seen last month in Scarborough, north Yorkshire.

Figures from the Department of Health last month revealed half of people in England do not have a dentist.

However, ministers have rejected opposition claims that NHS dentistry is in crisis, saying they are spending millions improving services.