Alex challenges First Minister on dentistry crisis

Hundreds of Scots are resorting to DIY dentistry because they’ve been unable to get access to NHS dental treatment.

This in large part down to the fact that as many as 400 Scottish Dentists have withdrawn NHS treatment at their practice since the pandemic. Scottish Lib Dem research through Freedom of Information has revealed the extent of the problem.

Local Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton recently asked Nicola Sturgeon about this on the floor of the Scottish Parliament pointing out that while the government announced the creation of a dental advisory group to deal with the problem 6 months ago, this group has never met and has not even been appointed.

Alex said: “I’m not going to let this lie. Too many people in West Edinburgh are suffering in the worst kind of pain due to the lack of affordable provision. Worse still, they are resorting to DIY dentistry in desperation.

"My discussions with the dental profession make it clear the Government have their heads in the sand when it comes to the crisis. I will keep reminding Nicola Sturgeon of her government’s negligence here, they have allowed payments to dental practices to fall well below the costs those practices are facing. That needs to change.”