Highland dental practice where patient has been waiting a year for treatment says it is working ‘tirelessly’ to overcome shortage of dentists
Stoneyfield Dental Practice said practices across the nation were experiencing difficulties in recruiting NHS dentists, specifically in the Highlands.
The difficulty in accessing dental care in the region has been highlighted by one of its patients who has been waiting a year for treatment.
• Delay in dental treatment in Inverness highlighted by patient waiting a year
• More than 1000 Highlanders are ‘handing over their savings in agony’ to access private dental care
Craig Levy, of Beauly, said he has been waiting to get treatment following a check-up last September.
But the treatment has been cancelled twice at the last minute and the practice, part of Scottish Dental Care, has also told him that due to the “overwhelming” number of emergencies daily and growing treatment waiting times, it has cancelled all check-ups until January 2025.
It comes as recent figures revealed more than 1000 dental patients in the Highlands have given up trying to get an NHS dentist over the last four years and instead have opted to go private.
Lynn Hood, chief rxecutive of Scottish Dental Care, said: “Our patients’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and we are working tirelessly to overcome the ongoing nationwide shortage of dentists that has put additional strain on services, particularly in more remote areas.
“We understand the frustration that delays are causing patients such as Mr Levy.
“However, due to this ongoing shortage we have had to make some difficult decisions, including – at times – prioritising those in pain and in need of emergency treatment to ensure they are seen as quickly as possible.
“Our team of dedicated dentists, nurses and support staff are working diligently to manage both the backlog of treatments and the emergencies that arise, all while facing significant workforce challenges, and we’d like to thank them for their commitment throughout this period.
“Dental practices across the nation are experiencing difficulties in recruiting NHS dentists, specifically in the Highlands.
“That said, we are actively investing in our practices and facilities in the region to help meet the needs of our patients, and we truly appreciate their patience and understanding during this time.”
