Concerns have been raised by patients after appointments were cancelled at one of Oban’s three dental clinics as an “acute shortage” of dentists continues.
This year has seen a significant shortage of NHS dentists in Argyll and Bute, with no space for new adult patients across the region’s 14 NHS dental practices and the My Dentist clinic on Shore Street considering closure.
Members of the Taynuilt What’s Happening Facebook group shared their experiences after a mydentist Oban patient described the cancellation of appointments at the clinic.
The Facebook post said: “The receptionist at mydentist Oban has been told to cancel all appointments. Mydentist is pulling out of the practice and other dentists are supposed to be taking over, but nothing has been heard.
“Staff don’t even know who will be paying them in December. Patients are being told to phone back in January to see what is happening.”
Other members of the Taynuilt community raised similar concerns, claiming their appointments were also cancelled, with one asking: [I] Had mine cancelled also, so where are we supposed to go?”
Another commented: “Not sure how it will work if there are no dentists and other practices unable to take patients on. You pay National Insurance for the service, so shouldn’t have to go private unless by choice.”
Another member of the community group added: “I was told the same. I am with the Shore Street dentist. I have to phone back in January too. The chances are they will only take private customers and not NHS, like so many other practices now.”
Another added: “I saw the dentist to fill my tooth on the November 2, having waited nearly nine months since the inspection. I was told to ring back in January to see if they are still operating as they cannot get dentists, for even private or NHS work. So disappointing.”
However, it was also suggested in the Facebook group that those predominantly affected by cancellations were those booked in for check-ups, with more serious treatments being prioritised.
If the mydentist clinic did close, this would put even more pressure on dental patients in Oban and rural areas of Argyll, with many islanders from Coll, Iona, Mull and Tiree also travelling to receive treatment on the mainland.
It would also mean Oban Dental Care on Lochside Street and the Oban Dental Clinic at Lorn and Islands Hospital would be the two remaining dentists in Oban.
In September, The Oban Times was told that the former has a waiting list for new NHS patients and it is unlikely any of them will be taken on until summer 2024.
A mydentist spokesperson said: “We would like to reassure patients that we are not cancelling all appointments. Due to necessary practice works, we are postponing some routine appointments and we apologise for those impacted by this.
“Earlier in the year we told patients that we were sadly forced to consider closing the practice due to an acute shortage of dentists. We are in the process of reviewing several options for the future of the practice, including its sale, so dentistry can continue to be offered to the community.
“Our patients remain our priority and we will keep them updated of any changes to the practice”
On behalf of NHS Highland, an Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership spokesman said: “Mydentist Oban is an independent dental practice and it would be more appropriate for them to comment on their appointment systems.”