MSP hails new government dentistry cash as new practice set to open in Greenock

Yahoo

03-08-2025

INVERCLYDE'S MSP has welcomed new investment from the Scottish Government to help his constituents access NHS dentistry – as a new dental practice is set to open in Greenock.
Stuart McMillan has been highlighting the barriers his constituents face in accessing NHS dentistry appointments since the pandemic, when an increasing number of practices prioritised private patients.
Last week the Tele reported on shocking figures that show the number of young people attending A&E for emergency dental treatment, either at Inverclyde Royal or at the Royal Hospital for Children, had doubled in the last five years.
Health board figures also show that in total 133 men, women and children attended Inverclyde Royal for dental care over that period of time.
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Mr McMillan has met with local practices as well as the British Dental Association to better understand the range of challenges facing the sector – and has subsequently written to both the Scottish and UK Governments on several occasions.
He has also posed questions in the Scottish Parliament – and last summer, asked about the [[Scottish Government]]'s engagement with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to improve the provision of NHS dentistry in [[Inverclyde]].
The Public Health Minister's response advised that plans were in place for a pilot to provide emergency dental services in Greenock health centre – and that Inverclyde qualified for national support schemes such as the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI).
(Image: Unsplash.com) The SDAI pays out up to £100,000 for establishing, relocating or extending practices, and for recruitment and retention allowances, which pay up to £37,500 to new dentists in the first three years of practice.
The scheme has enabled Dr Usman Ullah, owner of Merrylee Dental Practice in the south side of Glasgow, to progress plans for a new dental practice in Greenock's Waterfront Retail Park.
Dr Ullah spoke to the Tele about his plans earlier this year.
Mr McMillan said: 'Since the pandemic, dozens of constituents have contacted me saying they've been unable to see a dentist. This was due to many practices choosing to go private, which put additional pressure on practices that were providing NHS dentistry – and led to many people either being forced to pay for private treatment or forgo seeing a dentist at all.
'This deeply concerned me as regular dental checks are crucial for protecting people's oral health – especially for children. I therefore welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to make dentistry free for everyone aged under 26 in Scotland.
Usman Ullah (Image: Contributed) 'However, the problem still exists for many adults who amid a cost of living crisis, often cannot afford for private dental care.
READ MORE: Dentist reveals hopes for new Greenock practice - along with planned opening date
'I therefore welcomed the Scottish Government's pilot scheme to provide emergency dental services in Greenock health centre, as well as providing additional funding to encourage new practices to be established locally.
Stuart McMillan MSP outside the Waterfront Retail Park unit soon to be home to a new Greenock dental practice. (Image: Contributed) 'This has led to a dentist from outside the area choosing to set up a new practice in Greenock, which is warmly welcome.
"I understand Dr Ullah, who has been a dentist for 18 years, says that his new practice in Greenock will employ the latest in AI, laser and digital technology.
'This demonstrates how the Scottish Government is working with the dental sector to improve access to NHS dentistry and empowering businesses to provide high-quality care.
'I wish Dr Ullah all the best as he progresses his plans for a new Greenock practice, as this will help ensure more people in Inverclyde can access NHS dentistry.'