A dental practice in Cumnock has closed its doors "indefinitely" - and has cancelled all appointments scheduled for this week.

Knockroon Dental Practice released a statement on Monday, October 16, saying the closure decision was the result of "low staffing" and "under funding".

Some patients said they were not made aware of this decision before today, and were expecting to be in for treatment this week.

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All appointments for the week beginning October 16 have been cancelled.

No date has yet been set for the practice to re-open, with patients being advised to keep an eye on the practice's website and social media channels.

A spokesperson said: "We apologise to our patients as Knockroon Dental Practice will be closed week commencing Monday 16th October indefinitely.

"All appointments this week are being cancelled. 

"The reason for our closure this week is a result of low staffing levels due to a lack of NHS dentists available to perform the backlog of dental procedures bestowed on our practice, and the sheer number of emergency dental care we have to provide at a zero rate.

"Continuous under funding within the primary care dental sector and non-payment to the NHS dental practice by the Scottish Government have also led us to close the practice for now.

"The practice owner is currently off on annual leave spending time with her family at this time and will be returning week commencing October 23, or until the situation is resolved or has improved.

"Keep an eye on our website and social media and you will be contacted if you have had a recent appointment cancelled by us.

"Once again we sincerely apologise to our patients for this inconvenience due to the current situation at Knockroon Dental Practice.

"We will make endeavours to reach out to as many patients as possible in the coming weeks."

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Although the practice has not set a date for reopening, NHS Ayrshire & Arran said that the practice will be closed until Friday, October 20.

A health board spokesperson said: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board have been made aware that Knockroon Dental Practice is unfortunately required to close their surgery this week at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

"The surgery will be closed from Monday 16th October, to Friday 20th of October.

"If you have a dental emergency and are experiencing dental pain, you should contact the Public Dental Service on 01292 616990 for emergency care between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

"For weekends and out-of-hours periods, patients should call NHS24 via 111.

"For further information or to answer any other questions, please call the Dental Management Team on 01292 616980, Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm.

"Alternatively, please email gds@aapct.scot.nhs.uk."

The Scottish Government have also been contacted for comment.