Minister Nesbitt has today announced an investment of £8million in general dental services.

The Health Minister said the funding would help improve access for patients while the planned long-term reform of dental services is underway.

The funding will support a number of areas including an additional six Dental Foundation Training places to support early career dentists, the continuation of the Enhanced Child Examination Scheme to encourage new registrations for children aged 0-10 years, and the establishment of an Emergency Dental Clinic in the Western Trust area.

Highlighting the need for dental service reform, Minister 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 decision to invest in an Emergency Dental Clinic in the Western Trust area also demonstrates my commitment to direct limited resources to where they can have the greatest impact.

“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.”