A DENTAL practice at 21 St Johns Street, Stranraer has issued letters to around 1000 patients, informing them of plans to de-register them from NHS services.
Noting that the move has been made reluctantly, the practice states that all outstanding NHS appointments will be honoured and that any unfinished courses of NHS treatment will be completed. This applies to both adults and children.
It adds that no further NHS appointments will be available for routine dental care, and that provision of NHS emergency care – for example, for acute pain – will come to an end on 30 November 2023.
The practice notes within the letter that it offers private dental plans.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway director of public health Valerie White said: “The situation regarding access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway is a significant concern and one the Board is taking very seriously.
“We continue work to encourage and support dentists to provide NHS general dental services and are working closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.
“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is a key issue, and challenges in dental workforce is being seen across the UK.”
Anyone who is not registered with a dentist and requires emergency dental care can access that by contacting the Dental Helpline on 0845 602 6417.
