Million more signed up to NHS dentists

TENS of thousands more people have access to an NHS dentist in the Lothians than in previous years, the Scottish Government has said.

The rise has been attributed to more public dentists working in the area and greater awareness about dental health.

Public health minister Shona Robison said across the country one million extra people were signed up.

She said: "Our latest figures show there are record numbers of dentists working in NHS Scotland and this has resulted in more people being able to access an NHS dentist.

"With increased access we will expect to see improvements in the oral health of the nation.

"Last month we saw reports showing that our primary school children now have the best oral health since our records began.

"We want this good work to continue. We are continuing to increase the number of dental students training in Scotland."