Orcadians deserve access to NHS dental care, says McArthur

Access to NHS dental services in Orkney was raised in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

During health questions, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur asked the minister for the latest figures on adults waiting to be registered with an NHS dentist in Orkney, and urged him to ensure that adult patients in Orkney enjoy the same access to NHS treatment as patients elsewhere in Scotland.

Mr McArthur said: “Delays in being able to access an NHS dentist in Orkney remain a real frustration for many of my constituents.

“I am aware that a number of measures have been taken by NHS Orkney to improve the situation and the minister indicated that waiting lists are now half what they were in July last year.  Nevertheless, the number of adults in Orkney registered with an NHS dentist is still well below the national average, as is the rate at which patients are seen.

“It is vital, therefore, that efforts continue to bring the availability of NHS dental provision in Orkney more in line with the rest of Scotland.  The minister accepted this and offered to consider any bids for additional support that NHS Orkney or the chief dental officer feel is necessary.

“Patients in Orkney deserve access to good quality NHS dental treatment.  I am determined to do what I can to help support efforts to ensure this happens.”