Scotland’s dental system is “wobbling on the SNP’s watch”, Scottish Labour has warned after figures revealed spending on a dental safety net service has soared by 10 percent in just two years.
The Public Dental Service was created to deliver dental care to those who cannot access a dentist, such as care home residents, but the service is also used to deliver urgent care to patients who cannot find an NHS dentist.
Spending on the service has increased in all but two NHS Health Boards in the past two years, from a total of £76,549,151 in 2022-23 to £84,214,745 in 2024-25, according to FOI data obtained by Scottish Labour.
However, the figures also reveal striking regional differences, with increasing by a third in Dumfries and Galloway and more than a quarter in Fife, but falling in Edinburgh and Tayside.
Scottish Labour’s Dental spokesperson Paul Sweeney said: “These figures provide a worrying snapshot into the postcode lottery when it comes to dental care.
“While there will always be some who cannot independently access dental care, the fact that many Scots are struggling to find an NHS dentist will only heap more pressure on this crucial safety net.
“Scotland’s dental system is wobbling on the SNP’s watch — Scots should not have to choose between raiding their savings or excruciating pain.
“A Scottish Labour government will prioritise access to dentistry, so Scots can be treated wherever they are, and whatever their needs.”