Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson has today welcomed new figures showing over 4.7 million patients are now registered with an NHS dentist in Scotland – an 82% increase since March 2007.

The percentage of the Falkirk population registered with an NHS dentist increased from 68% to 90% for children and from 49% to 87% for adults since the SNP came to office.

Commenting, Michael Matheson MSP said:

“This is great news showing that over 56,000 more people in Falkirk are now registered with a dentist compared to the number in 2007.

“I am particularly encouraged to see that 90% of children in Scotland are registered and that this rate remains high across all sections of society and all across the country.

“The Scottish Government is totally committed to tackling health inequalities in Scotland so it is encouraging to see that the record number of dentists in Scotland is being matched by a record level of uptake by patients.

“However there is no room for complacency and I continue to urge everyone to take the opportunity of increased access to an NHS dentist, and make sure they too look after their dental health with regular check-ups to their local dentist.”