BDA Calls for Debate Over Orthodontic Treatment in Scotland
The British Dental Association has called for a debate over the future of orthodontic care for children, after stories hit the headlines suggesting that funding for children’s treatment would be cut.
In light of recent media coverage, the BDA has suggested that it would be constructive to have a debate on the issue of funding for children’s orthodontic treatment, despite the fact that decisions are made by the government.
Changes to the current system will bring Scotland in line with many other parts of the UK. The new system will use a method known as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need to assess whether or not treatment will be funded by the NHS.
Dr Robert Kinloch, chair of the BDA’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said that Scotland has an excellent programme in place, which is designed to tackle inequalities in oral health provision and target children from deprived backgrounds. The ChildSmile programme was introduced in 2005 and is currently being expanded by the Scottish National Party. From next year the programme will benefit children right across the country.
Dr Kinloch said that despite the fact that orthodontic treatment is very important, it is essential that taxpayers’ money is used well and therefore, as there is a finite budget, methods must be used to prioritise children in need.
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