Councillor Challenges Changes in Dental Policy

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A councillor from West Dunbartonshire has challenged proposed changes to funding for orthodontic treatment for children in Scotland.

Gail Casey has urged her fellow councillors to object to a change in policy after the government revealed changes to dental policy, with the proposed changes meaning that fewer children in Scotland would receive funding for orthodontic treatment. Under the proposed changes, children will have to fit criteria set out by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need.

Councillor Gail Casey is planning to table a motion at the council meeting this week to try and encourage council leader, Ronnie McColl, to take the issue to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and try to revoke the policy. She is also urging Mr MColl to write a letter to Health Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to encourage her to re-think the policy, which she insists is a “retrograde step.”

The new proposals would bring Scotland in line with other parts of the UK and the government insists that children who need treatment will still receive funding. The NHS will provide essential treatment, but as the budget is limited, cases will be prioritised and the NHS will no longer fund treatment that is carried out for aesthetic reasons.

 

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