Biting back with Arthur Dent
Devo-max for dentists?
T
he Scottish Independence Referendum has come and gone and the 45/55 result has been announced. Passions ran high on both sides of the
debate with colleagues, friends and family members often taking opposing views, and even now after the result is known the arguments continue. There have been highs and lows with
both campaigns. But on the positive side more people have become involved in political discussion than ever before with a turnout of 85 per cent of those eligible to vote and voters aged ı6 and ı7 have proved themselves worthy of the vote and fully capable of understanding the issues. The ‘Yes’ camp seemed particularly
energised and, despite their obvious disappointment, are keen to continue the campaign. Membership of the Scottish National Party has jumped to well over 60,000, making it the third largest UK political party after Labour and the Tories. A sizeable number of ‘Yes’ supporters are terming themselves “the forty five per cent”, the number 45 having added
historical significance to independence supporters in view of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Indeed, despite stating that he would
accept the democratic vote, the retiring Alex Salmond has controversially suggested that independence might yet happen without the need for a further referendum. In the meantime, the unionist parties
have all promised enhanced devolution following the ‘No’ vote. So what impact will this, or indeed future independence, have on Scottish dentistry? Dentistry, along with other health
matters, is already devolved to the Scot- tish Government, however, funding is determined by Westminster. The Scottish Parliament currently has the power to vary income tax (but only income tax). Further devolved powers might enable MSPs to vary numerous taxes such as corpora- tion tax, VAT or customs duties, possibly raising more revenue for public services such as health and social care. So the underlying funding structure of Scottish Government could change. The mood of Scottish dentists is already
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changing; many have grown dissatisfied and unhappy with the British Dental Asso- ciation (BDA). The Conference of Scottish Local Dental Committees has commis- sioned a working group to consider the establishment of a Scottish Association of LDCs. Whether this association would be a rival alternative to the BDA or would act as a pressure-group remains to be seen. Will it be ‘devo-max’ or independence for Scottish dentists?
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www.scottishdentalmag.co.uk Scottish Dental magazine 5
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