Dental Patients in the Highlands to Receive Text Message Reminders
Dental patients in the Highlands are to receive text message reminders from dentists in a bid to encourage patients to attend regular appointments.
The scheme was launched by NHS Highland in June and the number of clinics using the service is increasing by the day. It is hoped that all clinics in the region will be using the text reminders by the end of the year.
Health chiefs and dentists are looking to encourage people to stick to 6 monthly check-ups and remind them of their appointments by using a medium of communication that most people are now very familiar with. Most people have their mobile phone with them during the day and this makes the text service very accessible and convenient.
The Lochshell Dental Practice in Wick was the first clinic to try out the scheme, and many more have joined since. Although it is uncertain whether the scheme has improved the rate of attendance, staff members have confirmed that they now have more time to devote to other tasks thanks to the introduction of the text service.
NHS Highland’s dental service manager, Alex Fraser, has said that the service is not mandatory, but many practices are choosing to use it as a simple and effective way of reminding patients about their appointments.
An evaluation of the service is due to be carried out at the end of the year.
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