Cole-Hamilton reveals dozens of dentists retiring early in NHS exodus
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today revealed that Scotland is losing dozens of dentists every year to early retirement despite dentist shortages across the country.
A freedom of Information request submitted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats to the Scottish Public Pensions Authority revealed that of the 334 dentists who have retired since 2020, just 10 waited until the state pension age (SPA) to do so.
In November 2023, the Scottish Government introduced a revised payment system for NHS dental treatments, which will see an increase in the prices for patients. The cost to a patient of a single tooth extraction will rise from £14.76 to £28.84. The cost of a basic acrylic denture will jump from £70 to £117.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said:
“The SNP have left NHS dentistry to rot and people are in pain. In areas like Fife there isn't a single NHS dentist currently open to new patients.
“Access to toothcare should be no different from any other form of medical treatment. People should be able to rely on treatment being readily available, close to home.
“Instead we are seeing dentists retiring early or ditching NHS work because engaging with the Scottish Government is worse than pulling teeth.
“This shortage of dentists creates stress for patients and increases the workload for those who remain. The Health Secretary needs to look at what can be done to encourage experienced staff to stay on.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats are very proud of the part we played in introducing free dental checks in Scotland and in pressing for a new dental school to address the shortage of dentists. However, that good work is being undone by SNP ministers whose attention is always elsewhere.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out plans that would end dental deserts and bring back local NHS dentists. It would see ministers rewrite their failed NHS Recovery Plan, prioritise workforce planning and boost the number of dentists taking on NHS patients.”