INVERCLYDE’S dental crisis will be highlighted in the Scottish Parliament - with no dental practices in the area currently able to take on new NHS patients.

The Telegraph went round all 11 surgeries in the district and found that in addition to no practice being able to take on any new NHS patients, some have waiting lists stretching into the new year with more than 500 names.

Others say they are unable to take on no new patients – whether NHS or private.

Ashley McLoone, 37, from Greenock,has been trying to find a practice that would take her on as an NHS patients ‘for months’, but has been told her only option would be to wait or try practices in other areas outside the area.

She said: “I've tried multiple practices and just getting nowhere.

“Some said I should try again next year, or try in Paisley, Renfrew, and Glasgow instead.

“I don't drive, so for me to access practices miles away would be tough.”

The personal trainer and fitness instructor worries about the cost of having to go for private treatment.

She added: "I could have to spend a fortune going to the dentist for routine things.

“It is so unfair for pensioners or those on benefits or anyone that is struggling with money as it is right now.”

Out of all practices in the area, only two said they were ‘technically’ taking on NHS patients until recently.

However, both surgeries - Envisage Dental Care in Kilmacolm and Weir & McClafferty Dental Care in Gourock – said they had waiting lists with more than 500 people signed up and waiting times stretching into next year.

A representative of Weir & McClafferty said: “Unfortunately, we have had to say to people that if they are not on the list already, to call us again next year.

“We are making our way through, but it will take time.

“It's not just new patients either.

“Right now, we are not seeing patients that have been registered with us for 20 years - it's just so busy.

“The pandemic had a definite impact.

“The restrictions meant we could only see emergencies and even as things re-opened, we need to ensure that there is enough time to allow the room to be cleaned between patients.

“Other practices have gone private, which then has a knock-on effect on practices like ours that are still taking NHS patients.”

While the problem is particularly severe in Inverclyde, recent research has revealed that dentists across Scotland are struggling to keep up with demand.

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene has lodged a question at Holyrood to ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to address the lack of dental spaces for new NHS patients in Inverclyde.

He said: “This crisis has been unfolding over a long period of time and Inverclyde patients are struggling to get admitted to a practice, let alone book an appointment.

“Many are finding themselves on two year long waiting lists, which is simply unacceptable, and that's why I’m raising the issue directly with the SNP government.

“Thousands of Inverclyde residents who are unable to opt for private treatment will suffer the most from NHS services being cut – an urgent rethink is needed, and our local dental services given the funding and support they desperately need.”

The debate is expected to occur during on November 8.