OF 334 dentists who have retired since 2020, just 10 have reached the state retirement age.

Scotland’s dental sector faces an uphill battle. Decades of underinvestment, compounded by the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic have left dental practices struggling to keep up with demand.

Patients encounter long waits for care, while clinics grapple with staff shortages and an aging workforce.

Amid these difficulties, one solution emerges as both urgent and clear: we must invest in the next generation of dentists. The future of Scottish dentistry depends on it.

Rising patient expectations, rapid technological advancements, and an evolving healthcare landscape demand that new entrants to the profession are not only technically skilled but also resilient and well-supported.

Yet, many students and early-career professionals find themselves navigating these challenges with little........

© Herald Scotland