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07/01/2013
Poots Launches Dental Consultation
Health Minister Edwin Poots has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the way dental services are provided across Northern Ireland.
The consultation paper sets out a number of proposed changes to Health Service dental treatments, including:
- introducing criteria for orthodontic treatment so that it is provided on the basis of need;
- moving to a core service of treatments available through the Health Service and limiting the availability of more cosmetic treatments;
- extending the length of time between scale and polish treatments from three to nine months;
- altering the conditions for allowances paid to dentists.
Minister Poots said: "At a time when budgets across the HSC are under pressure, it is important to consider whether we are currently delivering dental services in the most efficient manner.
"While changes must be made so that the pressure on the General Dental Services budget can be addressed, I want to make sure we minimise any impact on patient’s oral health or the dental profession."
The Minister added: "I encourage everyone to engage with this consultation process and have their say on the proposed changes.
"I recognise that patients may be worried that they will no longer be able to receive the same levels of treatment from their dentist. However, I would like to reassure the public that all treatments will still be available to patients where they are clinically appropriate."
The consultation will run until 3 April 2013. The consultation paper is available on the DHSSPS website.
(IT/GK)
The consultation paper sets out a number of proposed changes to Health Service dental treatments, including:
- introducing criteria for orthodontic treatment so that it is provided on the basis of need;
- moving to a core service of treatments available through the Health Service and limiting the availability of more cosmetic treatments;
- extending the length of time between scale and polish treatments from three to nine months;
- altering the conditions for allowances paid to dentists.
Minister Poots said: "At a time when budgets across the HSC are under pressure, it is important to consider whether we are currently delivering dental services in the most efficient manner.
"While changes must be made so that the pressure on the General Dental Services budget can be addressed, I want to make sure we minimise any impact on patient’s oral health or the dental profession."
The Minister added: "I encourage everyone to engage with this consultation process and have their say on the proposed changes.
"I recognise that patients may be worried that they will no longer be able to receive the same levels of treatment from their dentist. However, I would like to reassure the public that all treatments will still be available to patients where they are clinically appropriate."
The consultation will run until 3 April 2013. The consultation paper is available on the DHSSPS website.
(IT/GK)
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