In an attempt to strike a balance between clinical practice and learning, it has been proposed to increase the funding from the Scottish Executive to modernize the existing dental practices. This unique program would enable simultaneous training of dentists and the treatment of patients.
A sum of £30m would be allocated towards promotion of the cause, according an announcement by the executive. The proposal would be implemented in nearly 30 health care centers in Dumfries, Coatbridge and Perth. Kilmarnock, Hawick, Melrose, Dunfermline and Elgin would also be benefited from the above-mentioned strategy.The provision of cash awards to dentists is anticipated to improve the health care access for patients under the national health services in the opinion of Lewis Macdonald, Deputy Health Minister. Furthermore, it would help in the revamping of the NHS boards and relocation of the same to state-of-the art premises in the local community.
This move only reflects the high level of commitment and is expected to successfully tackle the inadequacies in the delivery of quality dental services in specific areas of Scotland. Another £4.5m would soon be awarded towards the reimbursement of rent and allowances for the dental practitioners, committed to the NHS.
Dr. Andrew Lamb, Director, British Dental Association for Scotland has welcomed the move and expressed hope that it would encourage hospitals, health care access centers and clinics to participate in a healthy competition. He expressed the need for identification and refinement of other problems affecting the dental patients in Scotland. He further concluded that patient needs cannot be satisfied without a constructive and collaborative association with high street dentists, who represent the majority of health care providers in the nation.
