A MOVE to restrict dental check-ups to once every two years could put lives at risk, according to dentists.

The plans are to extend the dental recall interval for low-risk patients up to an interval of 24 months.

A study in response to the proposals, by the British Dental Association Scotland (BDA), indicated 97% of 206 dentists working across Scotland’s health boards said Scottish Government reforms would put oral cancer detection at risk.

Anas Sarwar MSP, a former NHS dentist, said: “Increasing rates of mouth and throat cancers in Scotland are a matter of serious concern.

“The wide variations in oral cancer incidence and survival rates between different areas and social groups in Scotland are unacceptable, with someone in Glasgow being twice more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than someone in Fife.”

Scotland has had a 37% increase in oral cancer deaths in the last decade, with residents in the most deprived areas twice as likely to be diagnosed or die from the condition.

If detected early, the survival rates of oral cancer are said to increase from 50% to 90%.

Sarwar added: “The Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and other bodies must develop sustainable and innovative approaches to oral cancer care and work effectively to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of this condition.”

The BDA estimates that the current cost of oral cancer treatment in Scotland is £67.3 million, with that expected to increase to £148.3m by 20136 if rates continue to rise. 

The cost of treating oral cancer is £9000 per patient.