Dental students will escape fees

The school would take 15 graduate students in its first year

Students attending Aberdeen's new dental school will have their tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison revealed the move because of the need for more dentists.

The £1,775-a-year fees would normally be paid by the postgraduate students themselves.

Speaking at the Aberdeen Dental Institute, where the school will be based, she said: "It is important we make studying dentistry attractive."

Ms Robison said: "As a general rule, tuition fees for postgraduate or second degree courses have to be met by the student.

"However, there are exceptions to this for some vocational courses like nursing, teaching and allied health professionals, where there is a need to boost numbers in particular professions.

"Following discussions with Aberdeen University, I have decided that it is only fair that students at Aberdeen Dental School have the cost of their fees met, as is the case for other dental students in Scotland."

'More improvements'

Aberdeen North SNP MSP Brian Adam said: "I am delighted that there will be no tuition fees for this long-awaited and greatly needed course.

"I am glad that changes are being made, and I continue to press for more improvements."

The £15m school is set to open its doors in October.

The school would train 15 students in the first year and then 20 each subsequent year in a bid to ease shortages.