JUST under 2000 adult patients are to be deregistered from NHS services by a dental practice in Dumfries.
One of the two dentists at Great King Street Dental in the town has made the decision to end NHS services for their patients aged 18 and above.
As a result, under the terms set out within regulations to provide NHS dental services, letters providing three months’ notice have been issued to just under 2000 adult patients registered with this dentist.
Director of Dentistry Alison Milne said: “We have been notified of the decision to deregister these patients, which means they will now need to seek alternative provision.
“Unfortunately, many will be aware that there are no dentists within the region currently accepting new NHS registrations.
“We fully recognise the frustration very likely to be felt by these patients, as experienced by many others who have faced a similar situation in recent years.”
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “We have seen some success recently through the expansion of the dental outreach programme for the region.
“The 12 places for dentists in training plus tutors and support makes NHS Dumfries and Galloway the biggest outreach dental training facility in Scotland.
“These undergraduate students are able to offer a single course of treatment to patients who are not currently registered with an NHS dentist, with treatment free of charge, and the waiting list for this is currently open and accepting new patients. Members of the public who are not registered with a dentist can self refer: [email protected]
“However, while this is a very positive development, we know that this does not address the issue of providing people with regular, ongoing access to an NHS dentist.
“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.”
For anyone not registered with a dentist experiencing, dental pain, swelling or dental trauma, emergency care is provided by calling the Dental Helpline:
Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm 01387 245532
Monday – Friday 6pm – 8am NHS 24 – 111
Saturday/Sunday NHS 24 – 111
