Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 9 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to provide access to NHS dentists across the Highlands and Islands.
Our Operational Improvement Plan commits to reviewing and refreshing the existing financial incentives available to the dental sector, to better support patient access in rural and island areas.
This work is currently underway and we anticipate revised incentives will be introduced in the 2026-27 financial year.
Officials continue to have regular discussions with NHS Highland to understand local issues.
We also continue to make available a range of additional financial support to areas where access is particularly challenging, including rural and island areas. This includes grants of up to £100,000 for establishing new dental surgeries and allowances of up to £37,500 for new dentists practising in qualifying areas.