By Mark Mackay

THE DECLINE in NHS dentistry in Perth is set to continue with further surgeries about to desert an ever-decreasing field.

Two more local dentists have stated they are to cease providing NHS treatment and go private.

Earlier this month patients of the Cowie Dental Practice, based in Perth’s George Street, received a letter informing them that NHS treatment will cease on September 1.

Hot on the heels of that was notification from Mike San, one of the dentists at Caledonian Dental Care in York Place, that he was to stop offering NHS services, though colleagues will continue.

Dental surgeon Stuart W. Cowie told patients of his practice that he was finding it increasingly difficult to provide them with the level of treatment they deserved.

“For the past 22 years I have been offering quality dental care to my patients and for the last nine years in George Street have worked hard to provide a high standard of care under NHS restrictions,” he said.

“I feel that it is only fair to my patients to be able to offer them choices from the best in modern dental materials and techniques whenever treatment is necessary.

“However, I am finding it more and more difficult to provide the quality of care I believe my patients deserve within the constraints and funding of the NHS.

“I have finally decided, with much regret, that I have no alternative but to become an independent practitioner.”

Meanwhile, Mr San revealed waiting times for NHS treatment had reached the point where he felt patient care might suffer.

He said the increase in waiting times was due to the ever-increasing demand for private treatment; increased time devoted to training other dentists within the practice and the fact that more of his time was needed to run a bigger and better practice.

Mr San said NHS patients could be transferred to another dentist within the practice.

He will also continue to treat private list patients’ children under the NHS in order to keep families together with the same dentist.

However, due to “pressure on appointments along with the restrictive NHS fees” Caledonian Dental Care will only be providing private appointments with the hygienist.

One long-time patient of Cowie Dental Practice, who did not wish to be named, said the decision had not come as a total shock.

The pensioner said, “I’m very disappointed as I’ve been a patient at the practice for many years.

“I’m not that surprised though as most dentists in Perth seem to be going that way. It’s going to get an awful lot more expensive for use to look after our teeth.”

Light at the end of the tunnel for Perth residents may come from the fact that the Broxden Business Park is the favoured site for a £6 million purpose-built dental treatment and training centre.

The centre would offer NHS dentistry to thousands of people locally who have lost access to NHS services and would be staffed by salaried dentists, employed directly by NHS Tayside, and students in training.

Plans for the much-needed centre are set to go before the Scottish Executive for approval next month.