One ONE dentist in Fife taking new NHS patients

Only one dental practice in Fife is accepting new NHS patients.

That's Oakley Dental Practice near Dunfermline say the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The party says there's 32 fewer dentists in the Kingdom providing NHS treatment in 2022-23 than 2019-20.

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has called the situation "dire".

He says: “This is very concerning and shows the dire state of NHS dentistry. The Scottish Government has abandoned NHS dentistry to face huge challenges and this is the result. People across Fife can’t even register with an NHS dentist, and many others are struggling to get appointments.

“Too many are forced to turn to private dentistry or to put off treatment if they cannot afford to get work done. This is completely unacceptable. The SNP has been absent in the face of this crisis and have rowed back on their manifesto promise to abolish dental charges.

“It was the Scottish Liberal Democrats who abolished charges for dental checks while in government. We will continue to press the government to take meaningful action to end this crisis.”

Lisa Cooper, head of primary and preventative care services at Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, says: "Nationally and in Fife there are challenges for patients who wish to register with an NHS dentist and we're aware of this situation.

"Anybody who has an emergency dental issue can contact the NHS Fife dental advice line, this is open 8.30am-5pm on 01592 226555.

"In addition, NHS Inform also have an extremely usual information site. That will support you and give you information on how to look after your oral health and that can be found online."

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