NHS dentistry facing total decay

THE entire NHS dental system is at risk of collapse, according to Scottish Labour.

The party accused the SNP of ‘hot air’ and ‘hypocrisy’ for extending free dental care to all under-26s while the very existence of NHS dentistry is on the line.

Claiming that dentists have not been properly supported since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, it warned of a ‘two-tier system’ where only those who can afford private care get the treatment they need.

It comes after a survey found that 80 per cent of dentists could reduce the number of NHS appointments and more than a third may quit or retire in the next year in a funding row.

A third said it was likely their practice could go fully private unless the issue is resolved. Amid Covid precautions, NHS practices have cut appointments and in return been given a Scottish Government support package.

But last month Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said all emergency support to dentists will be withdrawn by April 1 next year.

Scottish Labour health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: ‘The very existence of NHS dentistry in Scotland is on the line, but all the SNP have to offer is hypocrisy and more hot air.

‘The voice of the industry could not be clearer – without action now, we will have a two-tier dental system with first-class care being the preserve of those who can pay. This is unacceptable. The Health Secretary needs to take his fingers out of his ears and listen to the experiences of frontline NHS dentists.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We’re doing everything we can to support the dentistry profession and will put patients at the centre of a sustainable public service. There is no question of allowing a “two-tier” system to develop.

‘We have already abolished dental charges for all young people aged under 26. From February 2022, we will bring in new and increased fees for dentists for a range of treatments, supporting them in their efforts to clear the backlog which has built up during the pandemic.’