Report highlights NHS challenges

An HSCIC report, Dental Earnings and Expenses Scotland, 2011/12, shows that dentists’ taxable incomes fell again in the year 2011–12; the fourth year in succession they have done so. In total, in the four-year period between 2008 and 2012, the taxable income of the average (median) self-employed GDS dentist has decreased by more than ten per cent according to the HSCIC.

The great majority of dental practices that provide NHS care are independent businesses. As such, they invest in the premises, equipment and staff that are essential to the provision of high-quality care to patients. Falling incomes diminish their ability to make that investment.

Robert Donald, chair of the BDA’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said:

“This report confirms what dentists already know; that dentistry in Scotland is coming under increasing financial pressure. We have warned consistently of the mounting challenge facing practices and reiterated repeatedly the importance of NHS dental care being properly valued and supported by Government.