Our Services: Dental Services

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Welcome to the NHS Western Isles Dental Services Website.

Dental reform from November 1 2023:  

NHS Western Isles is raising awareness of dental reform, which has been introduced by the Scottish Government in a continued effort to support the oral health needs of every patient in Scotland.  

This is one of the most significant changes made to NHS dentistry in Scotland, developed and implemented by the Scottish Government, to provide a greater focus on preventative based dental care.  

Whilst we welcome the drive towards preventative dentistry, it’s important that the public is aware of the key changes: 

• Routine dental check-ups will change from every six months to every 12 months. However, dentists can tailor recalls based on patients’ individual oral health needs. 
• There will be an increase in costs for those who pay for their treatment. These fees are set nationally, not by individual Health Boards. 
• The maximum amount that will be charged to an individual per treatment plan will remain capped at £384 or 80% of costs. 
• Historic ‘scale and polish’ treatments will not be a default routine treatment, and hygiene plans will be tailored to each patient depending on their clinical need. 
• Some treatments which were previously free of charge may now carry an associated fee, for example, a denture repair is now £50.88 unless you are exempt. 

If your treatment plan started prior to November 1, your active plan will be unaffected by the changes. 

We appreciate that increased costs may be challenging for some patients, and should you require further information as to whether you are eligible for subsidised dental care, please visit the Scottish Government website, where you can check your eligibility or ask a staff member for assistant: https://www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs 

For further information regarding the new fees please visit the NHS Inform website: https://nhsinform.scot/dentist#dental-treatment-costs 

We appreciate that increased costs may be challenging for some patients, and should you require further information as to whether you are eligible for subsidised dental care, please visit the Scottish Government website, where you can check your eligibility or ask a staff member for assistant: https://www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs 

For further information regarding the new fees please visit the NHS Inform website: https://nhsinform.scot/dentist#dental-treatment-costs 

Dental Services

Waiting Times

These can vary between clinics (depending on staff availability and demand) but the following is an approximate guide.

• Emergencies: we will always try to see on the same day.
• Urgent problem which is not 'emergency':  As soon as space permits, might be same day not guaranteed.
• Medical referral: Within 1-2 weeks.
• Exam for registered patient: As soon as possible if high risk, call back in 6 months if considered ‘low risk'.
• New registration: In Lewis and Harris new patients who have no Additional Needs should contact Castleview Dental Practice on (01851) 704400. The Hospital service only accepts patients on referral and has no waiting list for the General Public. In Uist and Barra there is no General Practice and Health Board dentists accept any request for registration. Waiting times here are in excess of 15 months.

Urgent and Emergency Care

We will aim to see emergencies on the same day. Dental emergencies are:

• trauma
• bleeding
• swelling
• severe pain

Urgent conditions may be seen same day, if space permits. Otherwise, staff may take your details and call back when an appointment is available. Urgent conditions include:

• lost fillings causing pain or trauma
• worsening toothache.
• lumps or ulcers
• lost crowns or dentures.

For out of hours dental emergencies please contact NHS 24 on 111

Dental Charges

Each of our salaried dental clinics are an NHS centre and current NHS charges apply. Current charges can be found here. Every patient will receive a free dental examination and charges may apply for further treatment. Please ask at your local dental centre reception for an estimate.

Payment should be made at each appointment. Acceptable payment methods are by credit/debit card, cash or cheque.

If you are exempt from NHS dental charges, please bring evidence of your exemption along to your appointment. Further information at www.gov.uk/helpnhs-costs

Further information

For further information, or if you wish to discuss local dental treatment within NHS Western Isles, please contact Margaret Macleod, Dental Services Manager, Western Isles Dental Centre, by emailing: margaret.macleod7@nhs.scot

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