Dentists leave 500,000 with lots to smile about

MORE than 500,000 people are now signed up with an NHS dentist in the Lothians after a surge in registrations.

A series of campaigns and the opening of new practices led to 140,000 coming on board in the area last year, making it one of the best regions in Scotland for dental health.

The number of children registered has also increased, with 84 per cent on the books, though there was criticism from opposition politicians that those living in rural areas were not receiving the same opportunities.

The opening of a new dental school in Aberdeen has been credited with helping introduce more dentists to the market.

The figures were released by ISD Scotland, the country's official gatherer of health data.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "I am pleased to see that more people in the Lothians have access to an NHS dentist.

"Across Scotland, an extra million people, including the vast majority of children, now have access to NHS dental treatment. With increased access to dentistry, we expect to continue to see improvements in the oral health of the nation."