The new Scottish Government must not allow a growing burden of bureaucracy or an imperative for efficiency gains to override the pursuit of continued improvements to NHS dentistry in Scotland, the British Dental Association (BDA) has cautioned.

In a blog for the BDA's website Robert Kinloch, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee (SDPC), has warned that patients' wellbeing must be at the heart of any regulatory changes in dentistry in Scotland. Reiterating dentists' shared concern that patients receive safe, good-quality care, he argues the importance of getting the balance of governance right so that dentists have the time to treat patients but stresses that the profession must not be overburdened with red tape.

Acknowledging significant investment in dental services in recent years, the blog warns that sustaining improvements to dentistry in Scotland will require continued support. It also urges practitioners to be prepared for what could be difficult times ahead.

Dr Kinloch said:

"The election in Scotland has produced an unprecedented result with a single party winning a majority in our Parliament. The Scottish National Party's manifesto for the election emphasised a commitment to continuing the development of dental services that has taken place in recent years and we look forward to seeing the new Government pursue that improvement.

"There has been strong progress in dentistry in Scotland in recent years, with the use of targeted allowances and the innovative Childsmile scheme at the forefront of what has been achieved. It's important the new Government builds on these successes.

"Family dental practices across Scotland are, nonetheless, grappling with a number of issues, including the financial climate and the creeping growth of bureaucracy. We look forward to engaging with all MSPs to ensure that these threats to progress are countered and that patients and dentists alike continue to see improvements to the NHS dentistry. "

Notes

1. BDA Scotland's election manifesto is available here.

Source:
British Dental Association (BDA)