There is compelling evidence to introduce a new dental school in Scotland, according to an MSP.
Jim Hume, who represents the south of Scotland, made the call following figures released that show there is only one dentist for every 2,070 people in Scotland.
He said: ‘These figures are very worrying. This is yet more supporting evidence for a third dental school in Scotland.
‘Many people who are on limited incomes cannot afford the additional charges associated with private treatment.
‘There is a lack of new people coming into the service and a new dental school would in part help to solve the lack of provision.’
The minister for public health, Shona Robison, said: ‘We know there are problems with access to NHS dentists in certain parts of Scotland and we are determined to tackle this.
‘We are increasing the number of dental students in training and are committed to opening a third dental school for Scotland.’
Scotland’s two current dental schools are in Glasgow and Dundee.