Holyrood urged to put timeline on free at point of use dentistry
The Covid-19 Recovery Committee has written to the Public Health Minister
The Scottish Government is being called on to clarify if it is still committed to making NHS dentistry free at the point of use.
Before the 2021 election, the SNP manifesto included a promise to abolish “all NHS dentistry charges” before the end of this parliamentary term.
It was due to start with the exemption of those aged under 26 from paying for treatment, but no date has been set for the extension of the policy.
The Covid-19 Recovery Committee at Holyrood has written to public health minister Jenni Minto with recommendations for the improvement of services, following an inquiry into NHS dentistry.
In written evidence to the committee, Ms Minto acknowledged "rising inflation and existential macroeconomic effects are having a significant impact on the dental sector", with the committee hearing from the sector that cost pressures may make it more difficult to meet the commitment.
In his letter to the minister, convener Jim Fairlie said: "The committee seeks clarification on whether the Scottish Government remains committed to its manifesto commitment to '"make services free at the point of use for all' by the end of session six.
The committee also asked the Scottish Government to provide costings for the policy, as well as what will be done to address employment and retention issues within NHS services.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: "We are in regular discussion with both BDA (British Dental Association) on proposals for payment reform, creating a system that delivers modern dentistry for patients, and NHS boards to identify local solutions on access. We are confident, through delivery of these twin aims, that we will see a continuation of these trends.
"We will respond to the committee in due course."