Thousands of patients to lose NHS dentist

OVER 3000 patients are to be deregistered from NHS services by a dental practice in Stranraer.

One of the two dentists at South West Smile in the town is to retire at the end of March and attempts to attract another dentist to the practice have so far been unsuccessful.

As a result 3119 patients are being notified via letter that they will be deregistered.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s director of dentistry Alison Milne said: “Unfortunately, we have been notified of the decision to deregister these patients, which means they will now need to seek alternative provision.

“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.”

Meanwhile, plans have been developed to offer single courses of NHS dental treatment from Galloway Community Hospital.

This will be available to people aged 25 and under who are not currently registered with a dentist.

This new service began on Wednesday, running one day a week, and those eligible should contact 01776 707795.