New study reveals 40% of Scotland’s dentists want to go private
A new study has revealed that 40% of dentists in Scotland want to go private.
Four in ten dentists are prepared to quit the NHS and switch to private dentistry if the government in Scotland proceeds with plans to stop financial support in April 2022. Additional measures were introduced to support practices during the pandemic, but funding is due to be phased out next year.
The British Dental Association in Scotland said that ministers are “blindly headed down a road that could destroy” NHS dental services. A recent poll found that 40% of NHS dentists are prepared to turn to private care if the government axes access to Covid-19 funding in the spring as planned.
News of the survey comes just days after it was announced that the number of courses of treatment delivered by NHS dentists fell by over 75% in 2020.
There are already huge backlogs in Scotland and the demand for treatment has increased since the government confirmed plans to introduce free treatment for young adults. Practices are working under restrictions, which limit numbers, and it is difficult for patients to get appointments. If a large proportion of dentists switch from NHS to private work, the implications for patients will be far-reaching, according to the BDA.
The BDA has called for ministers to provide clarity and reassurance to NHS dentists. The body claims that it is impossible to run NHS practices without additional support given the restrictions and safety measures that are still in place. A recent study showed that 68% of practices are operating at between 20% and 59% of pre-pandemic levels.
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