Public Dental Service - FOI Response Register

For the last three years, where data is available, please could you confirm the following?

1. The total amount spent by the board on providing a public dental service, broken down by year.

2. The number of full time equivalent dentists employed by the health board to provide PDS, broken down by year.

Current figure (for 2022/23) – 6.2 WTE

3. The number of procedures carried out by the PDS, broken down by year, if known.

Under FOISA s 12(1), NHS Shetland is not obliged to comply with a request if the estimated cost of doing so exceeds £600.  Having reviewed your request, NHS Shetland has determined that the cost of compliance would exceed £600 and so is unable to provide the information requested.

We do not record data in this format and it would be excessively time consuming to collect and collate. 

4. The number of patients treated by the PDS, broken down by year, if known.

Under FOISA s 12(1), NHS Shetland is not obliged to comply with a request if the estimated cost of doing so exceeds £600.  Having reviewed your request, NHS Shetland has determined that the cost of compliance would exceed £600 and so is unable to provide the information requested.

We do not record data in this format and it would be excessively time consuming to collect and collate

5. Details of the locations where PDS services are currently provided.

Montfield Dental Clinic (Lerwick), Dental Suite (Lerwick), Brae Health Centre, Yell Health Centre, Whalsay Health Centre

6. The number of referrals and waiting list size, broken down by year, if known.

Not known at this time

7. A summary of the scope of the PDS service currently provided, if held. For example, Fife NHS Trust provide this one: https://www.nhsfife.org/services/know-who-to-turn-to/public-dental-service/

The role of the PDS in Shetland is as with all PDS services;

The Public Dental Service (PDS) in Shetland is run directly by the NHS Board, and comprises salaried dentists and supporting staff contracted to the Board.  Their core role is to provide oral health care services for people with complex needs, including vulnerable groups. 

Historically the PDS also provides a “safety net” service for those who, due to shortfalls in NHS provision, cannot access care from independent contractors. 

However, the lack of a robust GDS in Shetland at present, means that the PDS is being overly relied upon to provide NHS care for;

Historically Registered Patients (GDS patients but registered in PDS)

PDS Services (PDS Criteria Priority Groups)

Enhanced/Secondary Care Services

Access for Unregistered Patients