Dentists plead for extra financial support as they prepare to reopen

Dentists have called for additional funds from the Scottish Government as they face “even greater challenges” as they prepare to reopen.

The British Dental Association (BDA) welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that they can start to see patients with urgent care needs from Monday.

But the organisation fears a combination of reduced patient numbers and increased costs could prove “fatal” for many practices.

It added that shortages of personal protective equipment could limit patient numbers.

Most practices in England have operated at less than a quarter of their previous level since their return to routine dental care, it said, to ensure social distancing and infection control protocols are adhered to.

According to the BDA, 8 per cent of these practices say they can maintain financial sustainability on this basis, with the organisation calling for “meaningful help” from Scottish ministers to keep those north of the Border going.

David Mccoll, chairman of the organisation’s Scottish dental practice committee, said: “We finally have a date for the return of face-toface care but it arrives after weeks of waiting for clear guidance.”

“Practices should never have been left in limbo but now face even greater challenges as they reopen their doors.

“Dentists have been looking forward to welcoming our patients back into our practices but already we are hearing from colleagues who simply can’t afford to reopen, given the limits of the current Government support package.”

He warned: “Without meaningful help, increased costs and lower patient numbers could prove fatal for practices.”