Dentists struggling to clear Covid backlogs

TAYSIDE dentists are speaking out over backlogs and pressures of services.

A survey by dental organisation MDDUS found half of Scottish dentists are struggling to clear a backlog of patients, caused by the pandemic.

MDDUS surveyed about 2,000 of its members, and as well as 50% of Scottish dentists struggling with the pandemic backlog, four out of five said this has led to delays in treatment and complaints from patients.

MDDUS said dentists told them they are considering taking on fewer NHS patients, leaving the profession and that NHS contracts need reform.

Dr Rami Sarraf, owner and clinical director at First Alba Healthcare, with practices in Dundee, Forfar, Kinross and Newburgh, said: “It is obvious NHS dentists have been under pressure for some time now.”

He said this was mainly due to the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) – the system by which dentists claim payment from the NHS for treatments – being “completely inadequate.

“It’s based on the treatments and practices of the 1970s and ‘80s,” he said.

Some dentists say the SDR is too focused on older, remedial treatment and believe it should reflect modern methods of dentistry, including educating patients on how they can help prevent problems in the future like gum disease.

Tayside dentist Dr Robbie Parr said a promised consultation from the government still hasn’t happened.

“The inadequacy of the current system for dentists still offering an NHS service has resulted in NHS dentistry becoming a toxic, stressful and demoralising area to work in for every member of the dental team.”

Writing to dentists this week, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are very much aware there is a strong appetite from the sector for a reform programme.

“We want to meet that expectation with a programme that is focused and inclusive.”

CONCERNS have been raised that only half of secondary school pupils in Dundee eligible for free school meals are taking them up.

A report which went before Dundee City Council’s children and families services committee highlighted that just 50% of children who are eligible for free school meals in secondary schools are making use of the provision.

Secondary school pupils are eligible for free school meals if they or their families claim certain benefits.

The low uptake sparked concern from councillors, with one labelling the low uptake “extremely worrying”.

The report, which went before the committee this week, outlined officers’ disappointment with the low uptake of free school meals in secondary schools and highlighted the potential knock-on impacts on finance for struggling families.