PRACTICE OPENING HOURS

Monday        8.30am - 5.15pm

Tuesday      8.30am - 7.30pm

Wednesday  8.30am - 5.15pm

Thursday      8.30am - 7.30pm

Friday     8.30am - 5:00pm

Practice Update- 1st November 2023

NHS Dentistry has undergone a reform process. 

The dental reform has been introduced by the Scottish Government in a continued effort to support the oral health needs of every NHS patient in Scotland, in line with current best practice. It also simplifies the current complex code system to less items for easier understanding. Patients are still entitled to a comprehensive range of treatments through the NHS. 

Patients will notice the following changes to dental treatment and care:

• General Dental Service routine check-ups will change from every 6 months to every 12 MONTHS .

However, dentists can tailor recalls based on patients’ individual oral health needs.

Risk assessment will define a shorter checkup interval. 

Patients can still opt to be seen, 6 monthly privately, where their NHS risk criteria is not met. 

High risk patients can access more regular NHS care. 

• The maximum amount that will be charged to an individual per treatment plan will remain capped at £384 or 80% of costs.

•NHS dental care exceeding £600 gross fees will require Prior approval from Scottish Government practitioners service team. 

• Some patients may be eligible to receive help towards healthcare costs. And some still qualify for free dental care.

Free dental care is still available for :-

People 25years and under 

Pregnant women and new mums up until the child’s 1st Birthday. 

Patients on a low income and in receipt of an exemption criteria. 

•Denture repairs will no longer be free under the NHS . They will be charged in the same way, as all treatment,  where 80% cost is met by the patient unless exempt. Denture repair charge  - £50.88 

• patients attending for unscheduled care or high risk review appointment will now also incur a charge.

Dentists will provide a treatment plan to all patients to advise on their care and cost of that care. This estimate may change as treatment progresses but the practice will keep you informed. 

To brush up on what you’re entitled to, visit nhsinform.scot/dentist

The “brush up” campaign has been designed to increase awareness of the reform and key patient rights. 

The practice continues to grow and provide all aspects of dental care in Gourock . Building a skilled and motivated dental team is key to delivering care. This means local people, in our community, benefit from both NHS care and private treatments, not available on the NHS. 

We have 7 dentists in the practice, maximising the use of our 5 surgeries, every day. They are supported by 9 GDC registered dental nurses, with varying roles in the practice. We are currently training and supporting 2 new modern apprentice dental nurses to attain SVQ level 3 certification. 

We offer full NHS care , implant placement & restoration ,adult orthodontics/Invisalign , tooth whitening, composite bonding , porcelain veneers and full aesthetic dental cases. 

We have a new dental therapist, Laura Bunce, starting on 2nd November to restart the EMS, airflow, guided biofilm therapy in the practice. She arrives with a full range of experience and is available now for appointments. 

Kirsty,  our experienced dental nurse has now undergone extensive Childsmile NES training to be our lead Childsmile facilitator in the practice. We will be introducing a bespoke NHS  Childsmile service in the NewYear.  

This will further support children in the practice and educate new parents and carers on oral health. 

The practice is always evolving to provide the best dental care in the heart of the community. 

Please call to arrange an appointment.