BDA calls for ‘sensible debate’ on Scottish children’s dentistry

The British Dental Association (BDA) has called for a reasoned and measured debate to be conducted over potential reforms of NHS orthodontic care for children in Scotland.

Media attention has been drawn by new proposals that will see the eligibility of Scottish children for dental care assessed by Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need criteria, in line with the rest of the UK.

The BDA has stated that discussions should take place over this change, recognising that public funding is limited at present, as well as the need to ensure that taxpayers' money is spent on top-priority issues.

Dr Robert Kinloch, chair of the BDA's Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said any decisions must also be properly explained to patients.

He said this will ensure "both they and the dental profession have a proper understanding of what parents can and can't expect the state to provide for their children".

This comes after the organisation called for the Office of Fair Trading to be suitably thorough in its planned review of industry pressures governing dentistry in the UK.