The General Dental Services Cost of Service Review, commissioned
by the Department of Health, has now been completed and is being
published in full.
The review provides important evidence regarding the costs and
challenges associated with delivering Health Service dentistry in
Northern Ireland and highlights the significant funding gap that
currently exists and the impact it has on practitioners and
patients.
The findings reinforce concerns that have been raised by the
dental profession regarding the viability of the current system
and the continuing challenges patients experience in accessing
Health Service dental care.
The Department recognises the significance of the issues
identified by the review and is committed to acting on it. Whilst
the current financial position remains exceptionally challenging
and does not allow the level of investment that would be required
to address the findings in full at this time, the Department is
committed to moving forward with a programme of dental payment
reform which will include undertaking an options appraisal to
support a fee rebasing exercise.
Publishing the review, the Health Minister said: The Cost of Service
Review provides an important and robust assessment of the
challenges facing Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland. I
recognise the concerns that have been raised by the profession
regarding the sustainability of the current arrangements and the
impact this is having on access to care for patients.
Transparency is important, and I believe it is right that the
findings of the review are published. The review provides a
valuable evidence base to inform future discussions and
decision-making.
Whilst the current financial position means that the level of
investment identified by the review is not currently affordable
and difficult choices remain unavoidable, it is imperative we now
move forward with a programme of payment reform that will seek to
close the gap.
I am committed to finding a way forward which will aim to ensure
practitioners are paid fairly whilst also working to provide a
sustainable and accessible dental healthcare model.
I have therefore agreed that officials should commence an options
appraisal, working closely with the British Dental Association
and other stakeholders, to consider the future of General Dental
Services in Northern Ireland. This work will examine a range of
options to support the long-term sustainability of Health Service
dentistry and will inform a future public consultation.
I remain committed to improving patient access to Health Service
dentistry and to working constructively with the profession to
identify a realistic, sustainable and affordable way forward."
Publication of the review marks an important first step in
developing a shared understanding of the challenges facing Health
Service dentistry. The Department will now work with the British
Dental Association and other stakeholders to develop and appraise
potential reform options, with a view to bringing forward
proposals for public consultation.
Notes to Editors:
- Link to General Dental Services Cost of Service
Review: www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-dental-services-northern-ireland-cost-service-review
