Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S6W-40643

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 1 October 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the care of patients of private dental practices, what the formal responsibilities are of (a) the Scottish Government’s dentistry and oral health division, (b) Health Improvement Scotland, (c) NHS boards, (d) the General Dental Council’s Dental Complaints Service, (e) the Professional Standards Authority and (f) the Care Inspectorate.

The Scottish Government delivers NHS dental care through the NHS Board system via independent contractors. Wholly private practices are regulated by Health Care Improvement Scotland (HIS) and the General Dental Council (GDC). HIS is part of NHS Scotland and is responsible for service provision, quality improvement and investigate complaints prior to escalation to the GDC. The GDC is the UK-wide regulator for dentists, promoting best practice. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) oversees the GDC. The Care Inspectorate has a role in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in some dental spaces and provides guidance on preventive practice for all oral health improvement programmes e.g. Childsmile.

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Question reference: S6W-40643

Answer