KENNOWAY residents have been hit by the news that a local dentist is pulling the plug on NHS treatment.
KENNOWAY residents have been hit by the news that a local dentist is pulling the plug on NHS treatment.
Graham Warner has revealed he will be de-registering all NHS patients at his Bishop Court surgery from March 31 after saying he "could no long m
eet the criteria under the NHS dental services".
The news follows a worrying trend across Scotland in recent years with NHS dental treatment facing crisis.
In a letter to patients, Mr Warner explained the position but insisted dental care would still be provided.
He said: "I can no longer meet the necessary criteria for accepting patients under the NHS dental services.
"I would like to assure patients that we are not withdrawing dental services and it's not my intention to leave any of my existing patients without dental services."
Those patients who normally pay an NHS fee will now have to fork out the amount which the NHS reimbursed Mr Warner.
It is still unclear what will happen regarding children and those exempt from payment.
Fife's SNP MSP Tricia Marwick has slammed the Scottish Executive and NHS Fife for failing to deal with the problem.
She said: "This means those in Kennoway who are working will now have to pay for it.
"It's an appalling situation that we have a good dentist having to withdraw NHS treatment.
"The Scottish Executive and NHS Fife seem quite happy to do nothing about it.
"I will be raising this with the (health) minister at the earliest opportunity."
Kennoway councillor Bryan Thacker believes the system needs to be looked at.
He said: "We hear stories like this all the time. There must be a fundamental flaw in the system and politicians are not addressing it.
"It is a worry that some people in Kennoway may not get dental treatment because they cannot afford to pay."
But NHS Fife argued that it is addressing the problem and will meet up with Mr Warner to discuss the way forward.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation and will be meeting with the dentist later next week to discuss options.
"Dentists are independent contractors and are able to work with the NHS or privately.
"NHS Fife is utilising available funding to bring online dental access centres to improve availability of services for patients.
"This includes a major investment to develop and upgrade the community health centre and hospital facilities at the Adamson site in Cupar."
