2,556 people lose access to NHS dentistry as Dumfries clinic shuts
Lochthorn Dental Clinic is the latest in the region to close its doors
Last updated 26th Sep 2023
More than 2,500 NHS patients are to be de-registered from a Dumfries dental surgery as the owners take the decision to close it down.
Scottish Dental Care has issued a letter confirming the closure of Lochthorn Dental Clinic, saying the decision has not been taken lightly but that the dental sector is facing a severe shortage of dental professionals which is making patient care within certain areas very difficult to deliver.
Lynn Hood, Chief Executive with Scottish Dental Care, said: “The decision to close Lochthorn Dental Clinic was a very reluctant one and we hope, in time, to return services to the clinic. Unfortunately, we have seen two dentists leave, while efforts to recruit practitioners is proving incredibly difficult.
Scottish Dental Care doing "all we can to bring qualift dentists to the region"
“We fully acknowledge the impact of the closure on patients. While recognising it won’t be possible for all, there is an option to move to a plan at our Dumfries Dental and Implant Centre – and we have written to all patients to inform them of the current situation and their options.
“In the meantime, we will continue to do all that we can to bring quality dentists to the region and to overcome an unprecedented and UK-wide shortage of dentists – a situation that is felt most sharply in more rural areas.
“As part of our recruitment drive, we are offering associate dentists willing to move to Dumfries a six-figure salary, as well as mentoring and relocation grants.
“We are also working closely with the health board to reach international dentists and will work tirelessly to reinstate and expand our provision of NHS and specialist dental care to the area.”
Scottish Dental Care also operate Dumfries Dental Clinic and Implant Centre in Dumfries High Street, and they are extending an offer to register Lochthorn patients at the High Street clinic on a private basis.
Latest development in 'dental crisis' across the region
The move will impact 2,556 patients and is the latest development in a deepening dental crisis across the region, which has seen tens of thousands of people lose access to NHS dental treatment in the last year.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “The situation regarding access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway is a significant concern and one the Board is taking very seriously.
Lack of dentists "a key issue" for health board
“We continue to work with all dental practices across the region that are struggling to recruit and retain dentists to encourage and support the provision of NHS general dental services. We are also continuing to work closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.
“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is the key issue, compounded by challenges in dental workforce numbers that are being seen across the UK.”
Currently no dental practices in the region are able to offer NHS registration for new patients.
Anyone who is not registered with a dentist and requires emergency dental care can access that by contacting the Dental Helpline on 0845 602 6417.