Number of Emergency Dental Appointments Falls to 5 Year Low in Grampian
NHS Grampian has reported a significant decrease in the number of emergency dental appointments made in 2015. Last year, 5,840 appointments were made with NHS Grampian, compared to 6,635 in 2014, 7,429 in 2013 and 9,163 in 2012.
Figures also show a massive increase in the number of people seeing a dentist. Between March 2008 and March 2015, there was more than a 100 percent increase in the number of people seeing a dentist on a regular basis.
Regional health chiefs have attributed the fall in emergency appointments, which marks a 5 year low in the area, to improved access to NHS dental services and the fact that more people are seeing their dentists for routine appointments. Research suggests that seeing a dentist on a regular basis can cut the risk of developing oral diseases such as dental decay and gum disease by around 60 percent.
The figures represent an all time high for the proportion of people registered with a dentist in Grampian. Today, more than 72 percent of people are registered.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said the figures from Information Services Scotland represent positive news and show that investing in NHS dental services is worthwhile. Despite the major improvements, there is still a way to go and the board is eager to continue the upward curve and ensure the number of people seeing a dentist is rising year on year.
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