In the first quarter of 2025, 48,028 children and 137,040 adults in the most deprived areas of Scotland had NHS dental care, according to Public Health Scotland data published at the end of May.

In comparison, 56,779 children and 166,013 adults in the least deprived areas had access to this care.

This reflects a 17–21% gap in access between the most and least deprived groups, according to analysis of the latest statistics.

Despite high registration rates (5,218,597 people as of 31 March 2025) and significant treatment activity, the latest data reveals persistent inequalities in access to NHS dental care in Scotland.

Commenting on the data, Scottish Conservative health spokesperson Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “It’s shameful that two decades of SNP mismanagement has left Scots facing a po

See Full Page