Increase in dental appointments
The number of dental examinations in Scotland is thought to have doubled between April and June compared with the first quarter of the year, with an estimated 700,000 having taken place over the period
The number of dental examinations in Scotland is thought to have doubled between April and June compared with the first quarter of the year, with an estimated 700,000 having taken place over the period
An increase in dental examinations comes as the country continues to recover from the Covid pandemic and follows the relaxation of some infection and control measures designed to protect patients and staff at the height of the outbreak.
The Scottish Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, also revealed that NHS dentists will continue to receive an additional 30 per cent on fee claims with a further review by October.
We are on track for around 700,000 examination appointments for the three months to the end of June – almost double that in the first three months of this year
Scottish Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, MSP
Interim payment arrangements have been in place since April to help practices treat patients while infection prevention and control measures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic remain in place.
Mr Yousaf said the government had been “greatly encouraged” by the “substantial improvements” made by dentists in increasing access to NHS dentistry in the past three months.
More than 232,000 examination appointments took place in April compared with a monthly average of 125,000 for the first three months of the year – an increase of 85 per cent in one month.
“We are on track for around 700,000 examination appointments for the three months to the end of June – almost double that in the first three months of this year,” he added.
“By continuing these interim arrangements, we are supporting the progress in tackling the backlog in routine care and ensuring the sector is able to quickly return to more normal levels of activity.”
Mr Yousaf continued: “Considerable progress has been made in NHS dental services and oral health improvements – progress that was interrupted by the unique challenges of the pandemic.
“It is our ambition to regather that momentum and ensure we have an NHS dental service that is unequalled in the world today.”
Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris also commented. He said: “Dentistry teams faced really incredible challenges in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
So, it is wonderful to see that so many more people have been able to see their dentist.
“Speaking to colleagues, I know that teams are working really hard to accommodate patients and provide appointments, opening early or later to fit in with patients’ busy lives.
“We will continue to work with our partners to provide the NHS dentistry sector the support it needs to recover from the significant challenges it has faced.”
The multiplier is in addition to the value of actual item of service claims to mitigate the cost of infection prevention and control measures, lower levels of dental activity and budgetary requirements.
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