Home / Health / Stranraer Dental Crisis: 5-Year Waits
Stranraer Dental Crisis: 5-Year Waits
8 Feb
Summary
- A new resident faces up to a five-year wait for an NHS dentist.
- 3,000 patients were deregistered due to a dentist's retirement.
- Health board seeks support to attract more dentists to the region.
Accessing NHS dental care in Stranraer has become a significant challenge for new residents. One individual, who moved to the town in 2024, has been informed that she might have to wait as long as five years to join a dental practice.
The situation in Dumfries and Galloway worsened recently following the retirement of one of the town's dentists. This led to the regional health board confirming that 3,000 patients have been deregistered from NHS care.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has publicly stated its acknowledgment of substantial difficulties within its dental services. The health board's current objective is to collaborate with existing dental practices. Their aim is to offer support and implement strategies to encourage dentists to practice within the region.
