£8m to improve access to dentists announced by Health Minister

By Jonathan McCambridge (Press Association)

Funding of £8 million will help to improve access to dentists for patients in Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt has said.

The Health Minister announced the investment in general dental services while, he said, planned reform is under way.

The funding will support six new dental foundation training places for early career dentists, as well as the continuation of a scheme to encourage new registrations for children up to 10 years.

It will also fund the establishment of an emergency dental clinic in the Western Trust area.

Mr Nesbitt said: “I have been clear in my commitment to the ongoing reform of the dental service so that it works better for both patients and practitioners.

“The measures announced today will help stabilise the service and enhance access to dentists.

“I am aware that workforce pressures remain a significant challenge within general dental services.

“We currently fund 30 dental foundation training places each year and the additional six places announced today will provide increased capacity and enhanced access to health service dental care in practices across Northern Ireland.

“These additional training places will support the retention of newly qualified dentists, address workforce shortages and strengthen the sustainability of Health Service dentistry in the coming years.”

The minister said his decision to invest in an emergency clinic in the western area “demonstrates my commitment to direct limited resources to where they can have the greatest impact”.

He added: “I am keen to target areas most in need, ensuring patients who are unable to access routine dental services can access care, reducing pressure at emergency departments.”