Access to Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland has declined sharply, with nearly 390,000 fewer patients registered compared to 2023. Less than half the population is currently registered with a dentist, and the number of treatments delivered remains about one-third below pre-pandemic levels.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt recently announced an £8 million investment package for dental services. The funding drew a response from Sinn Féin councillor Noeleen Hayes, who represents Erne East on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

While welcoming the investment, Cllr Hayes warned that patients in Fermanagh risk having to travel up to two hours to Derry for treatment. She called for assurances that a proposed Emergency Dental Clinic in the Western Trust area will be located in Fermanagh.

Cllr Hayes said the current payment model for Health Service dentistry is no longer fit for purpose and must be reviewed urgently. She described the situation as a crisis requiring immediate intervention.

The councillor echoed concerns from the British Dental Association (BDA), which has warned that a widening gap between the cost of providing care and the payments from the Department of Health is a key factor in the decline of services. The BDA has said reform cannot wait, and there are fears more practices will reduce their Health Service provision in the coming year.

The Health Minister has indicated he is working on a long-term action plan, but Cllr Hayes insisted that action is needed now to protect the service and ensure people can receive timely care.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is scheduled to meet with BDA representatives on September 22. Cllr Hayes welcomed that meeting as a chance to address challenges facing both patients and dental professionals locally.