Question reference: S6W-24868
- Asked by: Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 26 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 5 February 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its evaluation is of the provision of NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway in the last year.
Answer
The Scottish Government is aware of emerging access issues within NHS Dumfries and Galloway, noting that this is an area which has suffered disproportionately with dental workforce issues in the past – an issue which has only been heightened by the significant loss of EU workforce as a result of Brexit.
Whilst a formal evaluation on the provision of NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway over the last year has not been undertaken, as it is a matter for the NHS Board, Scottish Government is working closely with the Board through an Annual Delivery Plan to mitigate against the drivers of access issues. This includes regular meetings to strategically plan on the design and implementation of more sustainable dental services across the Board area. While this work continues, unregistered patients will continue to be able to access emergency and urgent care via Public Dental Service clinics.