Scots patient in seven-year wait to see dentist amid health and backlog 'concern'

Michael Reid will not be able to see his dentist until August 2024 – seven years since his last appointment.The 42-year-old IT worker got check-ups every six months until his dentist left in 2017.By the time a new one was in place, Michael was so busy at work that he didn’t manage to get round to getting an appointment.He had one arranged for spring 2020 but then lockdown happened and it was cancelled.Michael, of Saltcoats in Ayrshire, said: “I got emails during lockdown saying they were shut and then others saying they were working through the backlog.“I emailed them a few times asking what sort of timeframe I was looking at but I never got a reply.“I messaged them again last year saying ‘what’s happening’ but I never heard anything.“Then last week I emailed them again because there was something on local radio about the backlogs in Ayrshire.“Finally they messaged me back saying I was still registered but that the first appointment they could offer me was in June because my dentist is on maternity leave.“But it was during the day when I am at work.

I asked for an evening or weekend appointment but they only work 9-5, Monday to Friday.“To get a slightly later appointment at the back of four I am having to wait until August.“They can’t fit me in any earlier.”Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join