Press Release
12th
January 2004

Call for Local Dentists to Shape Dental Reform
Greenock and Inverclyde’s dentists are to have their say on the future of dental services in Scotland.

MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has written to all dental practices in his constituency, encouraging participation in the Scottish Executive’s major consultation, Modernising NHS Dental Services in Scotland.

The consultation asks:

Speaking today, Mr McNeil said:

“The figures on Scotland’s dental health speak for themselves.

“51% of adults and 35% of children are not registered with a dentist.  By middle age, the average Scottish adult has lost 8 adult teeth and has 10 teeth filled.  Over 500 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in Scotland annually, half of which are fatal.

“Tackling these problems means giving everyone access to high quality dental services.  But, as the Deputy Health Minister recently made clear, this means modernising and reforming the system.

“To make this reform work, though, we need to listen to the ideas of those on the frontline.  And voices from every part of the country – especially from communities like Greenock and Inverclyde – must be heard.

“That is why I have ensured that our local dentists are aware of this consultation and why I am urging them to have their say.”

The consultation runs until Friday 5th March 2004.  Copies of the consultation document are available online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/mdssc.pdf or from the Greenock and Inverclyde Parliamentary Office (01475 791 820).
ENDS

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