Scottish minister calls for changes to dental practice funding scheme

22 October 2024

Changes to a scheme designed to improve patient access to dentists are needed, according to Scottish Labour. This follows information that just nine dental practices received funding from the scheme in the past five years.

The Scottish Dental Access Initiative offers grants to dentists to establish or expand NHS practices to make more appointments available.

The scheme is a key part of the SNP government’s solution to the crisis in Scottish dentistry. Jenni Minto, Scottish government public health minister, repeatedly cited the initiative in response to questions about the difficulties in accessing local dentists.

In response to a question from Paul Sweeney, a Labour MSP, the Scottish government confirmed that, on average, fewer than two dental practices a year benefited from the funding.

This follows reports of ‘dental deserts’ in parts of Scotland, with six council areas reported having no practices able to take on adult NHS patients within three months, and just one in four practices across Scotland offering appointments within that timeframe.

Paul Sweeney, Scottish Labour dentistry spokesperson, said, “There are huge gaps in access to dentists, but the SNP government’s approach is clearly not working.

“NHS dentistry in Scotland is on the brink of collapse, and far too many Scots are being left in agonising pain, unable to access services.”

Tom Ferris, the chief dental officer, wrote to the health boards in September 2024 that the grant funding would take a “more targeted and evidence-based approach” in the future.

Paul added, “The SNP government should act on the chief dental officer’s advice and take a fresh approach to this vital challenge.

“A Scottish Labour government will ensure that anyone experiencing dental problems gets the help they need.”