More than 200,000 registered NHS dental patients in Lothian have not visited dentist in past five years
‘In recent years we’ve seen areas of the country become dental deserts with patients struggling to access NHS dentistry’ - Jenny Young MSP
More than 200,000 registered NHS dental patients in Lothian haven’t been to the dentist within the last five years.
The figure was revealed in response to a freedom of information request by West Lothian-based Labour MSP Jenny Young.
And she warned there could be “worrying consequences” for patients’ dental health because they were skipping check-ups.
The number of NHS dentists in Scotland has fallen in recent years, making it difficult for some people to find a dentist they can register with and leading to people reportedly resorting to “DIY dentistry”.
But the new figures make it clear that more than a quarter of those who do have a dentist have not been going.
The statistics, from Public Health Scotland, showed that 223,860 people in Lothian have not attended a dental practice within the last five years despite being registered as patients. That is 26 per cent of all registered NHS dental patients under NHS Lothian.
The figures also show that 320,000 registered patients - 37 per cent - have not been seen by a dentist within the last two years; 273,000 have not been in three years and 243,000 have not been in four years.
The data for children and young people was not as bad. A total of 10,378 dental patients under the age of 18 have not been to the dentist within five years - seven per cent of registered patients in this age group.
Over 22,000 under-18s have not been to the dentist within two years; 15,500 within three years; and 12,125 within four years.
The length of time between patients being called for check-up appointments can vary. Depending on their dental history and clinical assessment, the recall frequency can be set at 12, 18, or 24 months.
Before April 2006, patients who did not visit an NHS dentist within 15 months were de-registered. This period was extended to 36 months in April 2006 and 48 months in April 2009. “Lifetime registration” was introduced in April 2010, meaning that patients will no longer be deregistered on the grounds of non-attendance.
Ms Young, MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West region, said: “Nobody looks forward to going to the dentist, but we know just how important it is for our oral health and dental hygiene to have that 6-month or annual check-up.
“It is concerning that so many patients have not been seen in years and I fear there could be worrying consequences for patients’ dental health.
“Dental problems can develop quickly and if they are not addressed then patients could experience significant pain and discomfort.
“In recent years we’ve seen areas of the country become dental deserts with patients struggling to access NHS dentistry.
“It is vital that NHS registered dental patients are able to get appointments when they need them. I will be seeking answers from NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government as to why so many patients are not accessing these vital appointments.
“Just like our wider NHS, we must protect NHS dentistry by ensuring that it is used by and accessible to everyone.”