Investment in dental services ‘not enough’ – British Dental Association

A £7 million investment in general dental services in Northern Ireland for 2025/6 has been criticised as not enough.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced the investment which includes a continuation of the enhanced child examination scheme, continuation of 30% enhancement to fees paid to dentists for Health Service fillings, extractions and root canal treatment and £1.6 million to provide additional support to dental practitioners who continue to provide Health Service dental care.

However the British Dental Association (BDA) said radical transformation is needed to ensure “the very survival of Health Service dentistry”.

The professional body and trade union for dentists has called for immediate short-term bridging support for dental practices as a lifeline to cover costs.

Ciara Gallagher, chair of Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee (NIDPC), said the proposals “won’t address the mismatch between fees set by Government and the actual cost to practices”.

“We realise the severe budgetary context in which the minister and his department is operating,” she said.

“We also appreciate some assurances given by the minister, such as mitigating national insurance costs, and the ministerial direction on the proposed annual pay uplift.

“But despite the minister’s best efforts, what has been outlined to us is largely a continuation of funding measures that have been in place since last year. It will likely mean a continuation of the most rapid shrinkage of NHS dentistry anywhere across these islands, and even more difficulties for patients to access care.

“These latest proposals won’t address the mismatch between fees set by Government and the actual cost to practices of delivering modern dental care. That’s why we cannot recommend these proposals as they stand to the profession.”

She said they are calling for a “radical transformation of dental services”.

“Despite the efforts of the minister, our question to the Executive is how can dentistry be transformed with such a constrained health budget?” she added.

“MLAs from across all parties declared unanimous support for HS dentistry in the Assembly yesterday and recognise that without adequate funding the future of this vital public service is at risk.

“Patients need access to these services, but we are left feeling even more concerned for our future and the oral health of the population.”