The British Dental Association Scotland has responded to new research from the BBC suggesting six Scottish council areas are now “dental deserts” with no practices able to take on new adult NHS patients within three months.
Reform to the low margin/high volume model NHS dentists worked to was rolled out in November 2023.
Two thirds (66%) of respondents to BDA polling published in July said the new system represented an improvement on the previous model, but 9 in 10 (88%) said it could not be the final destination for NHS dentistry.
Only 22% said the new system enabled a move to a preventive model of care. Only 7% believed it would enhance access for NHS patients, and just 5% said it would support a reduction in oral health inequality.
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “The Scottish Government delivered needed reform, but we have been clear this can’t be the end of the road.
“The simple facts are many patients are unable to access NHS care, while practices have vacancies they can’t fill. It two sides of the same coin.
“Scotland needs a 21st century service in which dentists would choose to build a career. Ready to shift the focus from treatment to prevention.”
The BBC news article referenced above can be read here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gd9023018o