MSP Jenny Young has warned there could be “worrying consequences” for patients’ dental health after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that over 200,000 NHS dental patients in NHS Lothian haven’t attended a dental practice within the last five years.
The FOI response, which came from Public Health Scotland and was obtained by the Scottish Labour MSP, revealed that 223,860 NHS Lothian dental patients haven’t attended a dental practice within the last five years. That number accounts for 26% of registered NHS dental patients under NHS Lothian.
The data also showed that 320,000 patients haven’t been seen by a dentist within the last two years.
Children's dental care concerns
The FOI response from Public Health Scotland also revealed that 10,378 dental patients under the age of 18 haven’t been to the dentist within five years, and over 22,000 haven’t been to the dentist within two years.
Young intends to write to NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government to raise these findings.
MSP urges action
The Central Scotland and Lothians West MSP said: “Nobody looks forward to going to the dentist, but we know just how important it is for our oral health and dental hygiene to have that six-month or annual check-up.
“It is concerning that so many patients have not been seen in years and I fear there could be worrying consequences for patients’ dental health.
“Dental problems can develop quickly and if they are not addressed then patients could experience significant pain and discomfort.
“In recent years we’ve seen areas of the country become dental deserts with patients struggling to access NHS dentistry.
“It is vital that NHS registered dental patients are able to get appointments when they need them.
“I will be seeking answers from NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government as to why so many patients are not accessing these vital appointments.
“Just like our wider NHS, we must protect NHS dentistry by ensuring that it is used by and accessible to everyone.”
