Four in 10 NHS Scottish Dentists Could Go Fully Private

A recent survey of dentists in Scotland has revealed that the vast majority of practitioners expect to reduce NHS services, with four in 10 advising they will go ‘fully private’ if government Covid payments are withdrawn.

Figures released by Public Health Scotland show that NHS Dental treatments in Scotland fell by 77.5% during 2020/21 compared to 2018/2019, a full year before the pandemic.  Around 390,000 fewer treatments were carried out on children with a further 3.3 million fewer treatments for adults.

A mix of blanket closures and restrictions placed on the NHS dentists during the pandemic has directly resulted in the backlog of treatments. Added to this, caps placed on the daily number of aerosol-generating procedures on the NHS for most of 2020 has further impacted delayed treatment and subsequent waiting times.

Since November 2020, NHS dental practices have qualified for Covid support grants of up to 85% of their income (pre-pandemic) in exchange for carrying out 20% of their pre-pandemic NHS workload and was designed to keep NHS dentistry supported whilst restrictions were in place. In accepting the grants, dental practices have been required to commit to supplying NHS treatments for at least three years.

The survey uncovered that around one in three practices had not applied for funding, with around half of those surveyed advising that they were “unwilling to commit to the NHS for the next three years”, with just over 40% stating they would go “fully private”.

 

Interested in learning more? Click to find more news stories brought to you by HealthHubble.

 

Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager


Dental Health News

Finished reading? Now find your perfect clinic.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 healthcare providers and clinics.

Search now

People also read

February 11, 2022
Finding Peace Over Pleasure
Finding Peace Over Pleasure

What are your first thoughts when you hear the words ‘peace’ or ‘pleasure’? For some, the words may be associated with each other even possibly used interchangeably, but in reality, there is a very distinct difference as observed by Jay Shetty.

July 23, 2021
UK Governing Bodies & Health Regulators Explained
UK Governing Bodies & Health Regulators Explained

At HealthHubble we understand just how important it is finding the right clinician, therapist or professional for your individual needs.

February 15, 2023
Discovering the Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy
Discovering the Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy

Do you feel stuck, frustrated or struggle with certain relationships? Perhaps you are feeling stressed or lacking motivation or confidence? Or maybe you are looking to create some healthier habits for the new year, but don’t quite know where to start

Featured Clinics

Cyncoed Dental & Aesthetic Skin Clinic | HealthHubble
Cyncoed Dental Practice & Aesthetic Skin Clinic

We are a private practice in the heart of Cyncoed dedicated to providing excellent dental care. Our range of preventative and cosmetic treatments include general dentistry, oral hygiene, teeth whitening, composite bonding, Invisalign and aesthetics.

London Orthodontics
London Orthodontics

Dr Simon Manara is a specialist Orthodontist and completed his speciality training in 2001, practicing in the Harley Street Medical Area since 2002. Dr Manara offers treatment in a personal and caring environment using the latest techniques.

Venturi Cardiology | Expert in Angina, ECG & More | HealthHubble
Venturi Cardiology

Venturi Cardiology is an independent cardiology clinic based in the North West of England with over 30 years of combined expertise in preventative cardiology, cardiac imaging and invasive cardiology.

Yoga at the Oaks | Meditation & Massage In Nature | HealthHubble
Yoga at The Oaks Guildford

Yoga at The Oaks is a beautiful and peaceful barn-like yoga studio in a rural setting in Normandy, Guildford. Offering small friendly Yoga classes, Relaxation & Meditation classes, workshops and Qi Gong (Chi Kung). Online classes are also available.