Moray SNP News

NHS GRAMPIAN UPDATES RICHARD LOCHHEAD ON NHS DENTAL SERVICES IN MORAY

NHS Grampian has updated Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead on the latest situation with access to NHS dental services in the region. 

Writing in response to Mr Lochhead, NHS Grampian has reiterated adverse impact the pandemic has had on dental services locally but confirmed that 31 new dentist have joined the Grampian Dental List this year, 7 of which are new to the Moray area. NHS Grampian also confirmed that since the pandemic dental practices in Moray have increased their registered patient numbers by almost 4000.

Mr Lochhead has welcomed the update but recognises ongoing challenges for those struggling to access services, with only Lossiemouth Dental Practice currently registering patients (under the age of 12 and living in the IV31 postcode area) in the local area.

Commenting Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“I know from my own inbox that people across Moray continue to experience difficulties in registering with an NHS dentist locally and some have unfortunately been de-registered by their practice. Since these issues emerged I’ve been in regular contact with NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government about the need to ensure capacity increases again here in Moray.

“It’s clear the pandemic had a significant impact on dental services causing a reduction in the number of new dentists coming into the system, which has disproportionately impacted on rural communities like Moray, and it seems the impact may be felt for some time.

“The latest update I’ve had from NHS Grampian indicates that over 30 new dentists have joined the region’s dental list this year, with 7 of those in the Moray area, which is to be welcomed. Hopefully we’ll continue to see numbers increase, which will in turn should allow practices to register more new patients. Whilst challenges clearly remain it does seem that Moray dental practices have managed to increase their patients numbers since the pandemic, albeit I know that will provide little comfort to those that have had the unfortunate experience of being de-registered or continue to struggle to register with a local practice.

“Access to NHS dental services is hugely important for the health of the local population and I will continue to press NHS Grampian to do all they can to ensure these services are widely available in our local communities.”