By Democrat reporter
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has welcomed the news that NHS dental services will resume from 1 November.
The Scottish Government confirmed that this service would be allowed to resume within a written parliamentary question.
Jackie Baillie said: “I am glad that the Scottish Government has finally allowed NHS dental services to resume. I know that many local dentist practices in my constituency have found the last few months incredibly challenging.
“Local people have gone without dental care which will have had a negative impact on their dental health and hygiene. Many have contacted my office with their concerns about the lack of treatment or having to pay for private treatment.
“The Scottish Government must ensure that dental practices receive all the support that they need to reopen safely and I hope to see the reopening of more health services in the near future.”
Jackie Baillie MSP and Minister Joe Fitzpatrick.
Minister Joe FitzPatrick told MSPs: “The pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for dentistry and the Government recognises NHS contractor efforts, patience and resilience throughout the period.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that the needs of patients to be seen for NHS dental treatment can be met, in a way that supports the good efforts of the dental community to maintain the high standards of health and safety needed to minimise the threat from COVID-19.
“NHS dental services will be able to return to the [Church Street and] High Street dental setting from 1 November to provide patients with access to the full range of treatments for all NHS patients.
“The Government is clear that this is not business as usual but by making available a full range of treatments for NHS patients, this enables dentists and dental teams to provide a wider range of NHS care for their patients, prioritised by clinical judgement and in line with wider public health protection measures.”