Locals’ Discontent About Dental Access Issues in North West Sutherland

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A number of people in North West Sutherland are still struggling to access NHS dental care, despite increased investment in services, which have contributed to shorter waiting times in other areas close by.

Dental service manager for NHS Highland, Alexandra Fraser, said that there are still issues with access in a small number of towns. However, the number of patients registered with an NHS dentist has increased significantly in the last 9 months. North West Sutherland is under-served, but health officials are currently working to find a suitable location for a part-time community service. A school visiting service is currently available in Kinlochbervie, and the opening of a new surgery in Tain will hopefully ease waiting lists in Invergordon and Alness.

Despite concerns in North West Sutherland, statistics for the Highlands are very positive and patients in many areas have enjoyed much improved access. Just four years ago, there were more than 14,500 people waiting to join a register in Inverness and the surrounding area. Now, patients are able to register without any waiting time at all.

Ms Fraser confirmed that NHS Highland will continue to invest in NHS dental services and work to improve access, so that every patient can see an NHS dentist without having to wait for a long period of time or travel a long way.

 

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