THERE IS only one dental practice in West Fife offering registration to young people under the age of 16.

High Valleyfield (Dental Dept) is the only practice doing so.

There are also only three practices in West and Central Fife operating a waiting list for NHS registration. Waiting lists are currently up to a year for routine appointments, but patients may be seen quicker.

Those with a dental emergency can continue to be seen through the NHS Fife Public Dental Service.

The three practices operating waiting lists are New Row Dental Practice in Dunfermline, Oakley Health Centre (Dental Dept), and Canmore Dental Practice in Lochgelly.

A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: "Patients in Fife, like those across country, are seeing challenges when seeking to register for NHS dental care at local practices.

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"This is largely due to a reduced number of new dentists coming into the workforce.

“NHS Fife’s Public Dental Service is in regular contact with dental practices to ensure the registration information provided to patients is up to date.

“A small number of practices in Fife, including one in West Fife, are accepting new NHS patients under the age of 16 years old. A small number of practices in Fife are also accepting new NHS patients on to their waiting lists.

"Importantly, the NHS Fife Public Dental Service help ensure that all of those not registered at a local practice can continue to be seen for any dental emergencies.

“This can be arranged through Fife’s dental advice line on 01592 226555, which is open on weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, or via NHS 24 on 111 during evenings and weekends."

“For more information on the recent changes to NHS dentistry in Scotland, or for guidance on what to do if you need emergency dental treatment, visit the NHS Fife website.

“In addition, NHS Inform also has a range of useful information on looking after your oral health.”