Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health (i) for his assessment of the financial sustainability of the NHS dental remuneration model; and (ii) to detail any recent discussions he has had with the British Dental Association regarding reform of the current NHS dental remuneration model.
Minister of Health: I fully recognise that the General Dental Services (GDS) in Northern Ireland is under significant pressure, and work is underway to identify options for reform. In December 2024, I commissioned a Cost-of-Service review for GDS. This review is due for completion by the end of March.
A GDS Reform Advisory Group is being established to provide independent expert advice and ensure that reform aligns with Departmental priorities and addresses the needs of the patient.
The outworkings of this group and the Cost-of-Service review will support the development of an Action Plan in line with the timeline set out in the HSC Three-Year Plan.
I met with the British Dental Association (BDA) on 22 February during which GDS reform was discussed. The BDA has also been invited to participate in the GDS Reform Advisory Group.
ENDS
Your MLA 