Labour claim Scotland’s dental services ‘wobbling’ under the SNP

Labour claimed that dental care in Scotland is “wobbling on the SNP’s watch” as “worrying” figures showed a 10% hike in spending to help those who can not access treatment in just two years.

The Public Dental Service was set up to help those who cannot get help from an independent dentist – with the service helping those who are in long-term care and those with special care needs, such as physical disabilities or mental health conditions.

Spending on this service has now risen from a total of £76,549,151 in 2022-23 to £84,214,745 in 2024-25, figures obtained by Labour under freedom of information showed.

Only two health board areas – NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside – saw their bill for use of the Public Dental Service fall over the period.

Meanwhile, in NHS Dumfries and Galloway spending increased by 35% over the two years, with NHS Fife and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde seeing rises of 28% and 26% respectively.

Labour dental spokesman Paul Sweeney said the statistics “provide a worrying snapshot into the postcode lottery when it comes to dental care”.

He added: “While there will always be some who cannot independently access dental care, the fact that many Scots are struggling to find an NHS dentist will only heap more pressure on this crucial safety net.

“Scotland’s dental system is wobbling on the SNP’s watch — Scots should not have to choose between raiding their savings or excruciating pain.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Funding for primary care dental services increased by almost 15% in the Scottish Budget, taking total funding to over half a billion pounds for the first time and reinforcing our commitment to NHS dentistry.”

The spokesperson added: “In some areas, particularly within rural and island communities, access to NHS dentistry remains challenging despite our significant and continuing investment.

“We continue to make available a range of additional financial support to areas where access is particularly challenging, demonstrated in our increased support for those boards.

“The UK Government’s approach to employer’s national insurance, restrictions on the Skilled Worker Visa and their decision not to progress provisional registration for international dentists means that access challenges due to workforce shortage will remain.”

Public health minister Jenni Minto had written to the UK Government on these issues, with a spokesperson saying the minister had “received assurance that it is exploring options to increase NHS dental workforce numbers”.