The dental crisis in Inverclyde has worsened following the announcement that Ardgowan Practice in Greenock will stop offering NHS dental services. The practice, which has served the local community for many years, cited underfunding from successive governments and rising operational costs as the main reasons for ceasing NHS treatments. This decision comes after MyDentist’s withdrawal from the area, which left thousands of patients in limbo with no local practices accepting new NHS patients.
Health authorities have set up emergency surgeries and are advising residents to travel to Renfrewshire for NHS dental care, but this has sparked frustration and anger within the community. Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey has launched a campaign urging the Scottish Government to intervene and address the crisis. He described the need for residents to travel up to 36 miles to access basic dental care as “unacceptable.”
The situation in Inverclyde highlights a broader issue of healthcare access, following similar challenges in the region such as the reduction of the seven-day out-of-hours GP service and cutbacks at Inverclyde Royal Hospital. McCluskey is now seeking input from patients affected by the dental shortage and has written to local practices to gather their views on the matter.
In response to inquiries, Ardgowan Practice confirmed that starting March 1, 2025, they will no longer provide NHS dental care for adult patients. However, they will continue to offer NHS services to children and young people under 26. Instead, the practice will shift to offering private care, with flexible payment options available for patients.
A spokesperson for the practice said: “Due to chronic underfunding of NHS dentistry, we are no longer able to provide the high level of care while remaining a viable business. We are now faced with making crucial decisions to ensure we can continue to operate and provide the care our patients deserve.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) responded by acknowledging the situation and noting that independent dental practices are free to adjust their business models. The health board has planned a summit on February 27 to discuss the ongoing issues and explore solutions for improving local access to dental care. They also reminded unregistered patients that emergency dental care is available at the Glasgow Dental Hospital or through NHS 24 after hours.
Despite these efforts, many residents feel that the situation is increasingly dire, with limited options for routine dental care and the added burden of travel for urgent cases. The Scottish Government had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
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