Written Question · S6W-43614 · Session 6
Whether a public dental service adhering to minimum NHS guidelines regarding the frequency of routine dental appointments is available to r…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether a public dental service adhering to minimum NHS guidelines regarding the frequency of routine dental appointments is available to residents in Uist and Barra, where there is reportedly no access to a general dental service.
The answer
NHS guidelines advise an average minimum frequency for routine dental appointments however Health Boards are not statutorily obligated to provide General Dental Services to patients directly.NHS Western Isles is actively working towards accessible dental care to patients across their region. A locum dentist is expected to begin providing service mid-March 2026.Additionally, the Public Dental Service (PDS) continues to provide urgent and emergency care to unregistered patients unable to access general dental services. These provisions remain in place within NHS Boards, to ensure unregistered patients with a dental emergency are seen as a matter of urgency.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-43614 by reference.