The First Minister has announced that dental practices are able to offer routine care using non-aerosol generating procedures from July 13th. Only a limited range of treatments will be provided, without routine examinations. The BDA has asked for clearer communication from the Scottish government and NHS boards.
Costs have increased as practices began opening last month, and so a 30% increase in GDP allowance is available. However, this is not enough to restore practice incomes to pre-Covid levels, and some practices may struggle to stay open. The BDA have stressed the need for additional funding, due to the pressures facing mixed NHS-Private practices.
Triage activity has been included in a new statement of dental renumeration, but there are concerns spanning across the UK, about lack of funds for lab bills, and the reduced level of care practitioners are able to provide. Dentists are facing a building backlog of dental treatment, and it will be some time before things get back to 'normal'.
In order to support the sustainability of NHS dentistry in Scotland, Ministers need to provide appropriate financial support.
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