KICKED IN THE TEETH
Frustration over guidelines that mean many treatments are only available privately
NHS dentistry has been “paralysed” by Scottish Government coronavirus restrictions, a leading figure in the sector has warned.
Sheila Macintyre, of the Scottish Dental Association, has claimed the clampdown is driving patients away from the health service.
Separate Covid-19 g uidel ines mean rout i n e filling, crown and root canal procedures can’t be carried out for free by dentists – but are available at full price if patients offer to pay.
A Sunday Ma i l inves t igat ion ha s also found those who cannot f inance treatment are resorting to potential ly dangerous DIY dentistry kits sold online.
Macintyre , who runs a dental practice in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, said: “Whether it’s intentional or an unforeseen consequence, the actions of the Scottish Government have left NHS dentistry in an indefinite paralysis.
“It has created a two-tier service where patients are only getting the treatment they need if they can afford to go private and pay.
“Covid-19 restrictions mean that we still can’t carry out routine aerosol generating procedures proce (AGP) on the NHS in ourou surgeries.
“ThThat means we still can’t do the vast major majo i t y of the work wor that we normally norm carry out – fi l l ings, roo t c a na l treatment trea s , cr owns, scaling. sca “AlA l of thisthi can be done privately pr and there’s no clear reason being given why that’s the case.
“As dent ists, we are committed to our patients and the NHS. We want to deliver care for everyone irrespective of thei r abi l i t y to pay.
“But as things stand, patients are being driven to the pr ivate sector and dentists are being forced in that direction too. One major issue is the lack of forward guidance in terms of the future delivery of NHS services.
“We’ve been told that there will be no return to the old ways but have been kept in the dark about plans for future NHS dental provision and the possible timescale.
“This makes it very difficult to advise patients who are weighing up the option of paying privately now or holding out for NHS treatment.”
AGP have been banned over fears infectious particles are being released into the air. The
Scottish Government last week gave NHS dentists the go-ahead to resume urgent procedures.
There are also di f ferent personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines for private and NHS patients, as well as further restrictions depending on the level of ventilation in surgeries.
As most dentists carry out both private and NHS work, they are being forced to tell clients going private is the only way to get the most appropriate care.
Macint y re added: “We under s t and t hat ex t ra precautions need to be taken as a result of Covid-19 but we need
better communication and we need proper funding to make sure dental practices can adjust accordingly.
“We’ve been in limbo for over five months now and it’s not good for patients or dental practices.
“The feeling we have is that the Scottish Government just doesn’t care about dentistry.”
The Sunday Mail found dozens of dental DIY kits available online for fillings and other procedures, which Scotland’s clinical director Jason Leitch has advised people to avoid.
A tool set, which included a metal tooth scraper, mirror and hook, encouraged users to “become the professional at home”.
One patient told how his surgery recommended a temporary DIY filling kit because it could not carry out the work.
The man, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I had a filling that had broken off and needed replaced. But my dentist told me he couldn’t do the work on the NHS and a temporary home repair kit was, unfortunately, the best option.
“I bought one of these online and gave it a try but it only lasted a few days. When I went back to the dentist, I ended up having to have the full tooth extracted, which seems to be one of the few things you can still get on the NHS.”
Leitch, a qualified dental surgeon, advised against attempting home treatment.
He said: “People should not use these kits. They should contact their local dentist.”
A spokeswoman for the British Dental Association also warned that many online products could be dangerous to use.
She said: “These products won’t produce the same good results you can expect by visiting your dentist and they could seriously damage your teeth.
“The products you can buy online or from High Street shops often fail to declare the precise chemicals used, so it’s very difficult to assess their safety.
“Some kits bought online are highl y damag ing, resulting in burned gums and blistered lips or even more serious consequences.”
A Scott ish Government spokeswoman said: “NHS dental practices began resuming AGP from August 17 and we are supplying the necessary PPE, free of charge, through local health boards. We’ve worked with NHS Scotland procurement teams to ensure that a robust and sustainable supply of PPE is avai lable to NHS dental practices.
“The health and safety of all patients and staff attending dental practices remains our primary consideration.
“In taking a phased approach to resuming AGP, we are seeking to balance the overall risk of infection with the needs of patients to be seen by dentists.
“Our overarching aim is to save lives.”