Scottish dentists will receive 80% of their average income from item of service and patient contributions, the government has confirmed.
In a letter published by the BDA, Tom Ferris, chief dental officer for Scotland, announces a ‘revised funding package’. He points out this revised package is in addition to protection provided through capitation, continuing care payments and GDPA.
He continues, stating NHS Scotland will deliver payments through March and April, and this is subject to review on the 30 June.
‘I hope that the principles outlined above will reassure you that the sustainability of NHS dental services is at the forefront of government planning,’ Mr Ferris says. ‘And I trust that you will respond appropriately to these additional measures.
‘Finally, I am please to see the commitment to the health service coming through strongly in dentistry. The government is working hard to determine how we can best deploy your skills within the NHS to support the effort to combat COVID-19.’
‘Huge relief’
BDA Scotland has welcomed the news, describing it as a ‘huge relief’ to Scottish dentists.
Earlier this month Scottish dentists stopped all routine procedures due to the risk posed by the coronavirus. At the time the Scottish government announced a financial support package to help get through the crisis. This new package announced today will replace this.
‘This funding package will be a huge relief to many dentists,’ Phil Grigor, national director of BDA Scotland, says. ‘It will allow their practices to remain viable until the crisis subsides.
‘We are also pleased that the government has heeded our concerns. We therefore thank the CDO and his team for their efforts to secure this funding, which will help to ensure the sustainability of NHS dentistry in Scotland.’
