Bill Kidd and Sandra White, SNP MSPs for the Glasgow region, have welcomed figures which show that the number of children, aged three to five, registered with an NHS dentist for the West Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP)  region has risen to its highest level – from 4,054, in December 2007, to 4,705 in March 2009. This represents a 16.1 per cent increase during this period.

Separate figures, also for the West Glasgow CHCP region, show that there has been a 10% rise in the number of NHS dentists since 2007; this amounts to an additional 16 registered dentists, from 140 (31st March 2007) to 156 (31st March 2009). 

Commenting, Bill Kidd said: "It is great to see this vast increase in the number of children, aged three to five, registered with an NHS dentist in the West Glasgow CHCP area, with a 16 percent increase in the West of Glasgow under the SNP Government.

"It is important that children learn good oral health early as they are much more likely to continue these habits later in life.

"The rise in the number of dentists working in the NHS is further evidence of the SNP Government’s efforts,  to make working for the NHS as attractive as possible, have paid off.”

Also commenting, Sandra White said: "This is something to smile about. These figures show that, after years of neglect under previous administrations, that real inroads have been made in ensuring the provision of first-rate dental services."  

Notes:

Full figures for the number of three to five year olds registered with an NHS dentist can be found here.

Full figures for the number of NHS dentists can be found here.