Thousands of people in Scotland have walked away from NHS dentistry and opted for private dental care since 2019.
According to findings obtained through a Scottish Labour freedom of information request, at least 36,818 patients have not opted for health service provision in a four-year period.
In 2019, just 306 patients left for private care, jumping to 15,597 in 2021 and 13,990 in 2022.
Paul Sweeney is Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for dentistry. Reported by the Daily Record, he said: ‘The fact that patients are suddenly paying quadruple the cost for dentistry in a cost of living crisis suggests Scots are handing over their life savings and pensions just to get the treatment they desperately need to relieve themselves of severe pain.
‘This is what privatisation looks like – those who can pay for a private dentist; those who can’t suffer without access to an NHS dentist when they need it.’
According to the findings, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – Scotland’s largest health board – has recorded 15,347 patients leaving the NHS dental register for private plans since 2022.
This was followed by NHS Lanarkshire, with a figure of 7,088.
Dentistry Scotland Show
Plans for this year’s Dentistry Scotland Show are taking shape – and it is looking like an unmissable event for the whole team.
This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, boasting an expanded line-up of speakers, more exhibitors and countless compelling reasons to be in attendance.
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Taking place at Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow on 21 September, this one-day event is your gateway to the latest dental innovations and thought leaders in Scotland.
For more information and to register, please visit dentistry.co.uk/shows/dentistry-scotland-show.
Not the ‘final destination’ for NHS dentistry
This comes as around 66% of Scottish dentists believe last year’s SDR (Statement of Dental Remuneration) changes are an improvement of the previous model, a survey suggests.
Nearly nine in 10 (88%) also believe this reform cannot be the ‘final destination’ for NHS dentistry.
This survey is the first evidence from frontline dentists since the payment reform was implemented in November 2023.
The reform included significant changes to the fees provided for many treatments. It also saw the number of items on the ‘menu’ at practices slim down to 45 codes from 400.
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