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.”
Notes to editors:
- The funding will support: An additional six Dental
Foundation Training places for 2026/27. In order to practise as a
general dental practitioner, a dentist must successfully complete
a period of Dental Foundation training. The establishment of
an Emergency Dental Clinic in the Western Trust area. The
continuation of a 30% enhancement to the fees for priority
treatments. The continuation of the Enhanced Child
Examination Scheme to encourage new child registrations. An
increase in the Activity Enhancement Payment from £1.6m in
2025/26 to £2m for 2026/27.
