Dental service hits crisis point (From Western Telegraph)

Dental service hits crisis point

THE National Health dental service in Pembrokeshire has reached crisis point as one of its few remaining NHS dentists announces his intention to offer private treatment only.

The news that Douglas Stuart will abandon NHS care, after he has seen everyone on his list for a final consultation, has come as a blow to patients at his Haverfordwest surgery.

Mr Stuart admitted it was a decision he had taken reluctantly. Patients at his practice in Dew Street will now be offered private care.

He is the latest in a long line of dentists who have switched to private care because it is no longer profitable for them to work within the NHS structure.

Four other NHS surgeries have closed their list to new patients. Existing patients will continue to receive NHS treatment, but the door is closed to new patients at the Family Dental Care Practice, Queen Street, Pembroke Dock; the Dental Practice, Saundersfoot Medical Centre; the West Street Dental Practice, Fishguard, and the Dental Surgery at Narberth Health Centre.

The Pembrokeshire Local Health Board admitted the situation was distressing for unregistered patients but as the dentists were independent practitioners it had no control over whether they offered care through the NHS or privately.

"They are not employed by us,'' said a spokeswoman. "They opt to treat under the NHS, we do the necessary checks and we allow them to treat our patients.'' The board was doing everything it could to resolve the problems created by the exodus, she added.

"We are looking at other alternatives in terms of treating patients in our locality. We remain committed to these patients and are exploring every opportunity but, because these are in the early stages of development, we are unable to give details at present.'' Patients who find themselves de-registered can contact NHS Direct for advice on alternatives to private care.

The board is holding a list of unregistered patients which will act as a database when lists become open or a new dentist sets up practice in the area.

A Community dental service is operating in Pembrokeshire, but access is very restricted. Only children under 16 and patients with special needs can be treated through the service. It also offers emergency dental care for unregistered patients.

Community clinics operate at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock Health Centres and Tenby Cottage Hospital.

Currently, there is no service being provided at the Crymych and Fishguard Health Care Centres because of staffing difficulties.