SNP claims success in handling NHS dentistry
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- Published: Wednesday, 17 September 2014 07:32
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A substantial increase in the number of dentists in Scotland since the Scottish National Party took office has helped to secure dramatic increases in the proportion of people in Scotland registered with an NHS dentist. Commenting, SNP MSP Bob Doris said: “Since the SNP took office, we have made recruiting and retaining NHS dentists a priority, so that dentist registrations have increased substantially.” The Scottish independence referendum takes place on September 18.
The figures revealed in response to a Parliamentary Question show that there has been an increase in the number of General Dental Service dentists in Scotland of over 30 per cent since the SNP took office, rising from 2,434 in September 2006 to 3,178 by 31 March 2014.
This substantial increase in the number of practising dentists has helped to ensure that 91.5 per cent of children in Scotland were registered with an NHS dentist by March 2014, compared to just 67.2 per cent in March 2007. Meanwhile 83.7 per cent of adults in Scotland were registered with an NHS dentist in March 2014, compared with 46.2 per cent in March 2007 before the SNP took office.
Commenting, SNP MSP Bob Doris said: “People remember only too well the appalling situation that the previous administration had allowed to develop before the SNP took office, with far too many people in Scotland struggling to access an NHS dentist. That is why since the SNP took office, we have made recruiting and retaining NHS dentists a priority, so that dentist registrations have increased substantially. Dental health is important throughout people’s lives, but matters so much when children are growing up – which is why the fact that 91.5 per cent of children in Scotland are now registered with an NHS dentist is so pleasing. We have made great strides when it comes to improving dentistry provision across Scotland.
"But if we are to continue to invest in improving NHS services, we need to be able to protect Scotland’s NHS from the financial effects of privatisation at Westminster – something only a Yes vote will achieve. The SNP are determined to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built on, which is why dentistry will remain an important health priority.”
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