9 in 10 children are registered with an NHS dentist in Falkirk district, according to new figures showing that dental registrations nationally are at a record high.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson has welcomed that 90.7% of children and 88.8% of adults in the Falkirk area are registered with an NHS dentist.
Under the SNP dental registration has increased sharply from 52% of the population in 2007 to 91% nationally today.

For the first time there is no difference in dentist registration rates between children living in the most and least deprived areas of Scotland. 91% of children in the most deprived communities are registered with an NHS dentist – the same rate for the least deprived. In March 2007, these figures were 52% and 76% respectively.

Commenting, Mr Matheson said:
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everybody who wants access to NHS dental services can receive it.

“Substantial investment by this government has meant that dental registration has increased from 52% of the population in 2007 to 91% today – with 89.2% in Falkirk registered.

“Alongside registration figures, child tooth decay is falling in Scotland and there is no longer a deprivation gap in dental registrations for children. Good oral health is something that everyone should be able to benefit from, regardless of their background or life circumstances.”