27/10/2009

Dentists Extend Registration

The length of time a health service patient is registered with an NI dentist has been extended from 15 months to two years.

A health service dental registration is automatically renewed when attending regular check ups. The extended registration time has been introduced so that patients can maintain registration with a dentist for a longer period, and help them to look after their oral health.

Welcoming the change, Acting Chief Dental Officer Donncha O'Carolan said: "It is important that patients visit their dentist for regular check ups.

"Oral health is vitally important and if monitored regularly, people are less likely to develop problems."

Donncha O'Carolan said that regular check ups also mean that dental registration is automatically renewed.

He said: "When patients attend a check up, they are asked to sign a form HS45, which automatically extends registration for a further two years. Dentists would be happy to advise patients on the most suitable recall period, based on their individual needs."

This extension is consistent with the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the dental recall period.

"It demonstrates the department's commitment to meeting the needs of patients in maintaining their oral health," he continued.

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
04 October 2024
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
18 March 2020
Woman Arrested In Patient Abuse Probe
A 28 year-old woman has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations of ill-treatment at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. The suspect was detained in Antrim this morning, Wednesday 18 March. It comes amid allegations of patient abuse at the facility, where people with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs are cared for.
06 May 2011
Mental Health Patient Loses Legal Challenge
A mental health patient has lost his legal challenge on resettling people with learning disabilities into the community. His lawyers claimed the Department of Health was in breach of its duty to make relocation a matter of priority.