New dentist to open in Elgin as access to NHS dentistry improves across Grampian

NHS Grampian is pleased to announce the opening of a new NHS dentist in Elgin, as access to NHS dental services across the region continues to improve.

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI) 8 to 8 dental will open a new practice in the town later this year, their fourth in Moray, with all committed to offering NHS dental care.

Owner Hiranya Fadia said: “If it weren't for the Scottish Dental Access Initiative (SDAI) scheme, I would never have been able to launch our first squat practice in Buckie 11 years ago. The grant letter was crucial in securing bank funding at that time. Now, thanks once again to SDAI and NHS Grampian, we are moving forward with our fourth project.”

Mike Brown, NHS Grampian’s director of dentistry, added: “Thanks to great support from our independent dental practitioners the access to NHS dentistry in Grampian has improved significantly in recent years with good availability across most of the region. Over the last year or so, following Scottish Government’s dental payment reform in November 2023, we have noticed an increase in dentists moving to the area which has led to several existing practices expanding. 

“Across Grampian we have 47 practices taking on new NHS patients and whilst many of these are in Aberdeen City there is a good spread across the region with many able to register patients immediately.  The pending opening of a new practice in Elgin will further improve availability in Moray. We also anticipate new practices opening in Aberdeen later this year.

“Clearly, if people are registered with a private dentist and happy with the service they get, they should remain there. However, people new to the area, or looking to move to an NHS practice should be aware there are lots of options available to them”

Dental practices are not restricted by catchment areas; people can register with the practice which most suits their daytime needs. A dedicated dental website has a list of practices open for registration along with information about how to contact them, available here: Which Practices Are Registering Patients? | Dental Advice Grampian

Mike Brown said: “We have amongst the best access to ‘high street’ dentistry, anywhere in Scotland, in Aberdeen City, and we’re committed to making sure the picture in both Aberdeenshire and Moray continues to improve. We would encourage everyone to register themselves and their children with an NHS dentist to ensure their oral health is the best it can be.”