Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced £8 million investment in general dental services across Northern Ireland. The funding aims to stabilise services during ongoing reform.

Key elements include six additional Dental Foundation Training places for 2026/27, increasing the total funded places from 30 per year. These support early-career dentists, address workforce shortages and aid retention to enhance sustainability.

An Emergency Dental Clinic will open in the Western Trust area to treat patients unable to secure routine appointments and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

The Enhanced Child Examination Scheme continues to boost registrations for children aged 0-10 years. A 30% enhancement to fees for priority treatments persists, and the Activity Enhancement Payment rises from £1.6 million in 2025/26 to £2 million in 2026/27.

Nesbitt stated the measures improve patient access and target resources to areas of greatest need. He noted workforce pressures as a key challenge in general dental services.

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood welcomed the Western Trust clinic. Eastwood highlighted access difficulties in Derry, where many lack registration with health service dentists.