Highland Primary Care Trust has reassured the public in Thurso that it will continue to do its best to find replacements for the two Dentists who are due to leave the area in December.

Alex Fraser, Service Development Manager of the Trust’s Dental Department agreed it will be difficult: -

‘The impending closure of the Princes St. Dental Practice in Thurso will significantly impact on the access to dental services for patients of the practice. Action is already underway to improve the situation. The Trust has already advertised 2 dental vacancies for Caithness and building works for a dental surgery at the Dunbar Hospital are to commence during October. However, given the national shortage of dentists, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit both for General Dental Practice and salaried employment. Unlike registration with a General Medical Practitioner, patients are not guaranteed NHS registration with a Dentist. General Dental Practitioners are at liberty to set up practice in any area of their choosing and may not be compelled to provide NHS dental services.

However, NHS Highland is committed to improving access to dental services throughout the area. Thurso has the added dimension of being a remote and rural community and it is recognised by the Trust that recruitment will not be easy. dental services. If we can’t recruit, the only other thing we can do is to enlist the support of the other General Dental Practitioners in the area in more radical ways. This may need the approval of the Scottish Executive Health Department.’

Mrs. Fraser emphasised that children would be the top priority.

‘If no solution is in place by 1 December when the Princes St Practice closes, the Trust’s Dental Team in Caithness will provide access for children with dental emergencies and will provide routine care for these children during their visits to local schools. Due to lack of capacity, the Dental Team will not be in a position to offer treatment to adult patients. These patients will be asked to contact the Dental Helpline 01463 704688 where arrangements will be made for them to be offered an appointment. This will require patients to travel outwith the area.