SCOTLAND: New data released by Public Health Scotland reveals a stark inequality in dental care access across the country, with individuals from more deprived areas less likely to visit a dentist. The report, covering the quarter ending September 30, shows that children and adults from poorer parts of Scotland are significantly underrepresented in dental visits compared to their wealthier counterparts.
In the period reviewed, 42,722 children from the most deprived areas attended a dentist, while 49,538 children from the least deprived areas sought dental care. Similarly, 122,513 adults from deprived backgrounds received dental treatment, compared to 131,032 adults from more affluent areas. These figures reflect a long-standing pattern of health disparities in Scotland.
Scottish Labour has called for stronger efforts from the Scottish National Party (SNP) to address these inequalities. Paul Sweeney, the party’s dentistry spokesperson, emphasized that the people who need affordable dental services the most are often the least able to access them. He proposed ending the "postcode lottery" of NHS dentistry access and incentivizing new dentists to practice in underserved areas.
Despite these challenges, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto highlighted that nearly 94.6% of Scotland’s population is now registered with an NHS dentist. The government is pushing for more dentists and dental practices in areas with limited access, alongside NHS dental reform aimed at boosting treatment accessibility for the most vulnerable populations. Minto reaffirmed that the ongoing investment in NHS dental services is intended to improve care delivery nationwide.