Moray MP Douglas Ross has written to the Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to ask what immediate action is being taken to deal with the shortage of NHS dentists in Moray after the local MP received a series of complaints from local residents unable to register with an NHS dentist.
Commenting, Douglas said: “I have been contacted by several constituents who have been unable to register with an NHS dentist in Moray and who have been told to go to Aberdeen for routine check-ups and treatment.
“When they queried this with the dental helpline they were told there is no NHS availability in Moray and they must register in the Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, which is clearly unworkable for many people.
“NHS Grampian have also confirmed this to me in a letter that emergency treatment will be available on the NHS but have provided no information on how people in Moray who need access to a local dentist for routine check-ups can receive it.
“I note there are plans to expand the Scottish Dental Access Initiative to Moray to encourage new dentists to the area, but this won’t help patients who need a dentist in Moray now.
“I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health raising these concerns and asking what the Scottish government will do to address this situation.”