The new building is named The Pat Gifford DFC Building in memory of the Spitfire pilot who shot down the first enemy bomber of World War two over the Forth close to Prestonpans. It is the brain child of practice partners Chris Price and Charlie Crummey and Aberdeen based health centre developers Medical Centres Scotland.
Charlie comments “Scotland leads the way on the provision of NHS dentistry but premises are often down at heal, cramped and unable to meet the latest standards of hygiene and access. I believe that the development at Prestonpans signals a whole new approach to how dentists will provide the latest and best services to patients in the foreseeable future. Larger state of the art premises mean that dentists can come together to share the cost and the benefits of better facilities. Patient care is improved, staff are able to fulfil their roles in bright airy premises and draw on in house laboratories and the latest facilities in infection control”
The new premises, which have 10 dental surgeries and a dental laboratory, will cater for patients from across East Lothian. With nearly 10,000 patients already registered the new building will be busy from day one but has design capacity to serve 15,000.
David Shannon, the director of Medical Centres Scotland, who Project managed the development said “The design takes full advantage of the wonderful outlook over the Forth and incorporates very high standards of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The design reflects the very best practice in infection control procedures and decontamination facilities which set new standards for dental practice in Scotland.
East Lothian Council Leader Willie Innes commented “I’m really delighted. This is fantastic news for the community and for people looking for an NHS dentist. The new building will also offer excellent teaching practice opportunities for training new dentists.”
Charlie Crummey, one of the Partners of the Practice said “This is the future for modern dentistry; top quality modern premises and dentists coming together to share facilities and deliver cost effective high quality dental services.”
Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:
"I am delighted to have been asked to open such an impressive practice. It is a sign of the high level of commitment from this dental team to the people of Prestonpans area and our NHS.
"I congratulate all involved in the delivery of this new facility on their tremendous achievement.
"It is also very fitting that the building has been named after fighter-pilot, Flight Lieutenant, Pat Gifford as the 2nd World War taught us how necessary the NHS is."