Dentists in Scotland have put together an open letter asking the new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to act quickly on NHS dentistry.
In the letter, the British Dental Association (BDA) calls for a sustainable funding model to be put in place by October.
Latest statistics show that more than half (59%) report that they have reduced the amount of NHS work they do from pre-pandemic levels.
In addition, more than four in five (83%) plan to reduce or further reduce their NHS commitment in the year ahead.
NHS Education for Scotland data shows that there was an 8% drop in high-street NHS dentists delivering care since lockdown, from 3,038 in March 2020 to 2,791 in September 2022.
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Work constructively
‘In 2021 the SNP made a promise to the Scottish electorate: free NHS dentistry for all. The decisions you take in your first 100 days will effectively determine if that promise is going to be kept,’ the letter reads.
‘Scottish government must take action now to ensure that the dental system in Scotland is fully resourced to provide appropriate dental care for all, therefore ensuring that health inequalities are addressed.
‘We would like to work constructively with you and the Scottish government, to ensure that all those who wish to access NHS dentistry in Scotland can do so.’
David McColl, chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, spoke out earlier this year. He said the First Minister’s first hundred days will dictate the survival of NHS dentistry.
‘Behind hollow boasts on record workforce numbers is a service that is hollowing out,’ he said.
‘The majority of dentists have pared down their NHS work, and many more are set to follow. It’s an exodus that’s going untracked by government but is the inevitable result of working to a broken system.
‘NHS dentistry’s survival requires rapid action, with meaningful reform and sustainable funding.
‘The steps taken in the next First Minister’s first hundred days will determine whether this service will have a future.’
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