Forres dentists take on new patients as Elgin dentists de-register more than 5000

FORRES dentists have taken on more NHS patients according to new figures.

This positive news comes despite the fact that more than 3000 patients in Moray have been de-registered by NHS dentists.

The data published by NHS Scotland and collated by the Labour Party has revealed that although more than 5000 patients have lost access to dental practices in Elgin over the last 24 months, however Forres dentists appear to be easing the burden, with several hundred additional patients joining the practices.

Across Forres 209 extra NHS patients have been registered.

Moray Labour has called for immediate action to address the growing concern over NHS dental provision in Elgin and Moray and have raised concerns about the accessibility of dental care for residents.

Moray Council Labour Group Leader, Councillor Sandy Keith said: "Upon being elected a year ago I contacted NHS Grampian after the deregistration of thousands of patients in Elgin. I have continued to keep an eye on the situation and on reviewing the most recent figures, I find that the situation is now worsening.

“This lack of access to NHS dentistry in Elgin is really worrying and I am frequently being contacted by constituents about the difficulties they are having in getting access to care. This situation cannot be allowed to continue, and NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government must put their heads together to get on top of this."

Councillor Keith has written to Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, demanding to know what action he is taking to resolve the situation.

A spokesperson NHS Grampian said: "Across the country there has been a significant reduction in the number of new dentists coming into the workforce, leading to a recruitment and retention challenge - especially in rural areas of Scotland.

"We are currently offering a £25,000 recruitment and retention bonus to new dentists in Moray and £15,000 in parts of Aberdeenshire. The Scottish Dental Access Initiative now includes Moray, with grants of £50,000 and above available to allow dental practices to extend – or new practices to be established – provided there is a seven-year commitment to providing NHS treatment.

"While it is disappointing a number of Elgin practices have reduced their registrations, it is encouraging others across Moray are taking on new NHS patients. We hope many more dentists will be attracted to setting up in Moray through our grant scheme, as it is a great place in which to live and work."

The NHS Grampian Dental Information Advice Line (DIAL) is available to anyone requires emergency or urgent dental care while waiting to be registered. This service can also advise which practices are currently accepting NHS patients. The service can be accessed online at: https://www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/dental-services/dental-practice-registration-availability/ or can be contacted by phone on: 0345 4565 990.