The Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris has written to NHS dentists to advise that they will be able to treat patients for non-aerosol routine care from Monday 13 July.
In addition, work will begin to safely return aerosol generating procedures to practice.
This follows the publication of further route map dates to ease lockdown restrictions in Scotland.
As a result, NHS dentists will be able to treat patients who have not been able to access treatment.
Welcoming this news Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:
“The Scottish Government has listened to NHS dentists and patients and we have worked hard to ensure we can reintroduce routine NHS dental services safely and incrementally.
“As we begin to ease lockdown measures our number one priority is staff and patient safety however we also want to ensure patients across the country get access to the services they need.”
The letter from the Chief Dental Officer to NHS dental contractors is below:
“Thank you for your support through this challenging time and for your efforts to remobilise NHS dentistry in Phase 2, this is greatly appreciated.
“I can now confirm that the government is stepping up the remobilisation of NHS dental services, as announced by the First Minister in Parliament today, and that Phase 3 can start from Monday 13 July, with NHS dental contractors able to see patients for non-aerosol routine care.
“I can confirm the government is considering closely the evidence and guidance around AGPs in a practice setting to determine the full extent of the treatment offer available to patients in Phase 3.
“We are also listening to NHS dentists about on-going financial support and will be looking closely at these issues as we move to Phase 3.
“Full guidance will follow as soon as possible.
“I remain confident that all dental teams will continue to support the government’s aim to remobilise dental services safely within Phase 3 and appreciate your forbearance as we navigate through a challenging period.”
Tom Ferris
Chief Dental Officer
