New NHS dental practice

A NEW independent dental practice, due to open its doors before the end of the year, is set make a big difference for those waiting for NHS appointments.

Work has now begun to convert the former council offices at 4 Market Street into a new practice, which will eventually employ four dentists and six supporting staff.

The Lerwick Dental Practice, a partnership of three dentists, will provide general dental services with 80 per cent NHS and 20 per cent private treatment.

Once fully operational the practice is planning to register up to 6000 patients.

The practice will have four dental surgeries with modern dental equipment, digital X-ray and IT systems.

The development is supported by NHS Shetland with the help of a Scottish Government grant under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI) alongside a significant investment made by the owners of the practice.

In a short statement the directors of the project said: “We have recognised the need for a new practice in Shetland and intend to deliver a modern and high quality dental service.”

NHS Shetland chief executive Ralph Roberts added: “We have been looking to attract a new independent NHS practice to Shetland for some time and I am therefore delighted that building work has now started and we have been able to support the practice with a grant.”

Patient registration is planned to commence online towards the end of September.

Until then any patient who is interested in registering can contact the practice on lerwickdentalsurgery@gmail.com to be placed on a waiting list.