Meeting of the Parliament 08 February 2023
I accept that that is the case, but, as my dentist told me yesterday, that will not offset the multiplier effects that were previously in place, and it does not address the financial detriment that is faced by dentists. There is no reason for them to engage. The extension of bridging payments is not sufficient to address the problem.
The situation is compounded by the fact that many dentists—young dentists, in particular—are simply leaving the profession. The BDA went on to warn that
“An exodus from the workforce appears to be in motion”,
and that
“Dentists are reconsidering their futures working in a broken system”,
as is happening with junior doctors.
That should be of huge concern. Without a highly skilled and trained workforce that is able to provide NHS dental services to adult and child patients, a fundamental cornerstone of our public dental system will collapse and, when it does, it will be those from the most deprived backgrounds who will suffer. My plea to the minister and the cabinet secretary is simple: listen to the sincere warnings from professionals in the field, harness their expertise and bring to the Parliament a plan that can command support from across the chamber before it is too late.
I move amendment S6M-07812.1, to insert after “Scottish Government to”:
“provide an update to the Parliament on the progress made in delivering on its Oral Health Improvement Plan, which was published over five years ago,”.
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.