Just one dental practice in Fife accepting new NHS patients

The information came in a response from NHS Fife to Willie Rennie MSP for north-east Fife. The health authority’s dental advice line confirmed that the only dental practice in Fife taking on new NHS patients was Oakley Dental Practice near Dunfermline.

Mr Rennie said: “This is very concerning and shows the dire state of NHS dentistry. The Scottish Government has abandoned NHS dentistry to face huge challenges and this is the result. People across Fife can’t even register with an NHS dentist, and many others are struggling to get appointments.

“Too many are forced to turn to private dentistry or to put off treatment if they cannot afford to get work done. This is completely unacceptable. The SNP has been absent in the face of this crisis and have rowed back on their manifesto promise to abolish dental charges.”

The issue has previously been raised by the Lib Dems. Last year the party said there were 32 fewer dentists providing NHS treatment in Fife in 2022-23 compared to 2019-20.

Added Mr Rennie: “We will continue to press the government to take meaningful action to end this crisis.”