Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed a wider range of dental services are to resume next month, as she provided an update on where Scotland stands in terms of its route out of the coronavirus lockdown.
The First Minister announced the Scotland could not yet move into the fourth and final phase of lockdown easing restrictions, commenting: "A move to phase four would require us to be satisfied that the virus is no longer considered a significant treat to public health.
"Unfortunately that is far from the case."
Scotland will remain in phase three, she confirmed, and this could continue beyond the next review point of lockdown in three weeks' time.
Sturgeon confirmed the changes to dental care will take place as of the middle of August.
The First Minister today advised during her opening speech in the Scottish Parliament: "From 17 August, a wider range of dental care can resume.
"In particular, aerosol procedures - which create a fine mist through use of a high speed drill - will be allowed to restart if they are necessary for urgent dental care."
Meanwhile, further eye care services will restart too, from this coming Monday, August 3.
Sturgeon advised: "From Monday, routine eye care services - including regular eye exams - can be carried out in community optometry premises, and in people’s homes."
For a recap of Nicola Sturgeon's statement in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, which included confirmation on when schools are to reopen, visit our blog here.
