Forres could be in line for a new dental practice to address a shortage of NHS dentists in the town.
NHS Grampian announced it was discussing setting up a new practice, at a meeting organised by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, whose constituents had expressed concern about the lack of NHS dentists.
Between 40 and 50 residents were there to hear NHS representatives set out their plans for dental care in the town.
In attendance was Laurie Stewart, dental practice manager with NHS Grampian, who yesterday said the health board was in “exploratory” discussions with a number of dentists about setting up a new practice.
He added that the NHS would be looking to address the lack of dental provision “as soon as possible”.
Currently, residents at Forres are forced to join Elgin waiting lists for an NHS dentist and it is thought that there could be as many as 8,000 people who want to be registered with one at Forres.
Representatives from the health board told the meeting that the town needs between five and seven new dentists to cope with demand.
Forres currently has no NHS dedicated dentists, although four in the town treat health board-registered patients.
Leys Dental Practice, at the town’s South Street, has about 5,000 patients, with an estimated 2,000 of those being NHS registered. A spokeswoman at the surgery indicated they may increase this number in the future.
The other surgery in the town, Orchard Road Dental Practice, has three private dentists and about 5,000 patients on its books, including 1,200 NHS patients, most of whom are children.
Mr Lochhead said yesterday he was pleased that the health board had agreed to the meeting.
He said there had been a “massive investment” in dentistry in Moray, with new surgeries at Keith, Buckie, Elgin and Lossiemouth, but Forres needed more provisions.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said it was clear there was a “real demand” for an NHS dental surgery in the town. She said there had been difficulty attracting dentists to the area, but added that they were confident a “significant” number of dentists due to qualify in the next year would address the shortage.
She said: “Experience elsewhere has shown that, once a commitment is made by both parties, a practice can be up and running in about a year.”