People from poorer areas less likely to see dentists, figures show

People from the most deprived areas of Scotland are less likely to see a dentist than those from richer parts of the country, figures have shown.

Data released by Public Health Scotland showed health inequalities continue to persist across the nation.

In the quarter ending on September 30, 42,722 children from the poorest parts of Scotland saw a dentist, compared to 49,538 children from the least deprived areas.

In the same time period, 122,513 adults from the most deprived areas saw a dentist, with the number rising to 131,032 for those from the least deprived areas.

The figures, released as part of the NHS data monitoring report, follow a similar pattern found over the previous two years.

Scottish Labour urged the SNP to do more to solve inequalities in dentistry.

Paul Sweeney, the party’s dentistry spokesman, said: “This data shows that those who need affordable dental services most are least able to access it.

“The SNP must ensure that any improvements to dentistry as a result of the reforms are felt by all Scots, not just those in the wealthiest areas.

“Scottish Labour will end the postcode lottery in access to NHS dentistry and incentivise newly-qualified dentists to work in the areas they are most needed.”

Tuesday’s statistics showed there were 5,186,513 people registered with an NHS dentist by the end of September – 94.6% of the Scottish population.

The figures come after the NHS dental payment reform plan was implemented.

The reform aims to sustain NHS dental services by increasing fees which the Scottish Government said would increase the number of NHS treatments people have.

The Government said the move would disproportionately benefit those from the most deprived backgrounds who need the most access to dentistry.

Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “The latest figures show that NHS dental services are performing well at a national level with almost four million courses of treatment delivered.

“This shows that the significant investment made in NHS dentistry is supporting high volumes of patient access to NHS care and delivering on our aims to sustain NHS dental services.

“But we are determined to build on this and are supporting the introduction of new dentists and dental practices for areas where access remains challenging.”