Castle Douglas practice to close, leaving thousands of Dumfries and Galloway patients without a dentist
Thousands of patients in Dumfries and Galloway are set to lose their NHS dentist after the owners of a dental practice in Castle Douglas confirmed that it would close in the new year.
The Gardenhill practice team has contacted 4,400 patients to outline plans to shut down services in January 2023. The news comes a year after another practice in the town closed, leaving 1,500 patients without access to NHS dental care.
Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP) said that the closure was “not good news” for residents. Alison Milne, director of dentistry, said that dental access is one of the most “pressing concerns” for local people. Ms Milne wanted to reassure dental patients that the partnership is working hard to encourage dentists to take on NHS contracts, but there is a national shortage of dental professionals, which is making recruitment increasingly difficult.
Patients affected by the closure of the Gardenhill clinic, which operates from Gardenhill Primary Care Centre, have been notified of the plans. From January, they will need to find an alternative dental provider. For patients who need urgent care, there is help available. Patients who don’t have a dentist are encouraged to call the dental helpline on 0845 602 6417.
For more news click here.
Join this Discussion