HS dentists are to get enhanced fees under a new Scottish Government payment structure.

But the British Dental Association (BDA)says the reforms still mean the service is still a “broken system”.

Changes to the fees provided for many treatments will come into force from November. The number of treatments available to NHS patients will also be reduced to address workload problems for dentists.

The changes come after the BDA warned spiralling costs meant practices were delivering some NHS care, including for dentures, at a financial loss.

The Scottish Government says the updates will “drive greater consideration of patients’ specific oral health needs” and put more focus on preventative care for issues like gum disease.

However, patients who are required to pay an NHS charge are “likely” to see their costs go up and the BDA argues the changes will not address oral health inequalities.

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