Dentistry: Extra 1.2m Scots sign up as access improves

MORE than 1.2 million patients have registered with an NHS dentist since March 2007, latest figures show.

In March this year, 3,804,338 people were registered in Scotland, up 4 per cent in 12 months.

However, the statistics, published in a report by health statisticians, show discrepancies across Scotland.

In Grampian, 51.4 per cent of people are registered with an NHS dentist, whereas in Ayrshire and Arran, the rate is 78.5 per cent.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said: "It is fantastic that we now have an extra 1.2 million Scots registered with an NHS dentist since 2007.

"Our latest figures show there are record numbers of dentists working in NHS Scotland."

He added: "With this increased access to NHS dentists we will expect to see improvements in the oral health of the nation."