Susan Murray, Westminster candidate for Mid Dunbartonshire, and the East Dunbartonshire Liberal Democrats have been asking local residents about how they have found NHS Dentisty in East Dunbartonshire. Many people responded positively, saying that they were registered with an NHS dentist and were happy with the service they receive. However many others described the problems they face, from being unable to register with an NHS dentist, reluctantly going private, waiting longer for appointments, to the relocation of the dental practice in Campsie. Some people said that they are travelling outside of East Dunbartonshire for appointments.This report brings together people’s experience in order to illustrate these problems. Hopefully by acknowledging the challenges we can begin to find solutions and ensure that everyone has access to excellent NHS dental care. You can read and download the full report in PDF format here.
Feedback from people who are registered with an NHS dentist was broadly positive. It is clear that many are glad for the service they receive.
Getting registered with an NHS dentist was a problem which many people raised, with some facing long waiting lists or going without care.
Family of 4 unable to get registered anywhere. My son is 5 and has never been seen by a dentist
Other people reported that their practice had stopped providing NHS treatments and had gone private.
While some people have looked for an alternative NHS practice, others said that they have paid for private dentistry instead.
Our dentist has just gone completely private, no longer accepting NHS patients including children. Trying to find someone who does is a challenge.
Another common theme from the responses was people facing longer waits between check-ups. Others said that it is difficult to see a dentist.
People raised the relocation of the Campsie dental practice to Riddrie, and difficulties in accessing the practice as a result.
Difficult to get an appointment. Thought about switching but other dentists in the area are either not taking on NHS patients or have long waits for an appointment.
Some people described travelling outside of East Dunbartonshire to see a dentist because they couldn’t register with a local NHS practice.