Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 October 2022
New Scheme To Improve Urgent Dental Care For Non-Registered Patients
A new initiative to improve access to urgent dental care for non-registered patients, including refugees and asylum seekers, has been welcomed by Health Minister Robin Swann.
New Scheme To Improve Urgent Dental Care For Non-Registered Patients
A new initiative to improve access to urgent dental care for non-registered patients, including refugees and asylum seekers, has been welcomed by Health Minister Robin Swann.
07 February 2007
Minister announces £2 million boost for dental practices
Health Minister Paul Goggins today announced additional funding of £2 million for dental practices. Mr Goggins has listened and responded to concerns from the dental profession about the increasing costs of running a dental practice.
Minister announces £2 million boost for dental practices
Health Minister Paul Goggins today announced additional funding of £2 million for dental practices. Mr Goggins has listened and responded to concerns from the dental profession about the increasing costs of running a dental practice.
15 December 2005
Dental Service proposals unveiled
Health Minister Shaun Woodward has announced a consultation on proposals for dental services over the next 10 years. The Primary Care Dental Strategy proposes that dental services should be commissioned at a local level thereby providing the flexibility to determine what services are required and how these services should be provided.
Dental Service proposals unveiled
Health Minister Shaun Woodward has announced a consultation on proposals for dental services over the next 10 years. The Primary Care Dental Strategy proposes that dental services should be commissioned at a local level thereby providing the flexibility to determine what services are required and how these services should be provided.
18 February 2014
Queen's Dental Student Tops UK Training Assessment
A Queen's University final year dental student has been ranked number one in the National Dental Foundation Training assessment procedure.
Queen's Dental Student Tops UK Training Assessment
A Queen's University final year dental student has been ranked number one in the National Dental Foundation Training assessment procedure.
22 July 2024
DUP Welcomes Derogation On NI Dental Amalgam Supplies
DUP Leader, Gavin Robinson MP, has welcomed the agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union to allow a derogation on dental amalgam supplies for Northern Ireland. The party leader has said that from the earliest days of government, the DUP have been raising NI's access to dental amalgam supplies "as a matter of urgency".
DUP Welcomes Derogation On NI Dental Amalgam Supplies
DUP Leader, Gavin Robinson MP, has welcomed the agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union to allow a derogation on dental amalgam supplies for Northern Ireland. The party leader has said that from the earliest days of government, the DUP have been raising NI's access to dental amalgam supplies "as a matter of urgency".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
