BDA warns of NHS dentistry collapse in Northern Ireland
The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that NHS dental services in Northern Ireland will collapse without urgent investment.
In an open letter to the Department of Health, the association predicted the fall of NHS dental services, stating that NHS dentistry is already ‘on the brink.’ Without immediate investment and support for dentists, the service will fold, dentists have warned.
The letter highlights deepening issues across Northern Ireland, including patients being unable to find local dentists, dentist shortages, a lack of access to routine and emergency appointments and growing waiting lists.
One of the main problems facing trusts and practice owners is recruiting dental professionals. The BDA suggests that gaps between Northern Ireland and the other UK nations are widening, which is making it increasingly difficult to attract dentists. Salaries are lower at a time when there are dentist shortages across the UK and living costs are rising. The body also said that morale is low among dentists, with many deciding to retire early, quit the profession or switch to private dentistry.
There is currently no government in Northern Ireland and the BDA has called for Members of the Legislative Assembly to step up and act to protect NHS dentistry. Without intervention, the BDA claims, the service faces imminent collapse. Patients are already feeling the impact but they could face a future without access to affordable dental care if NHS dental services are not funded properly.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health explained that health and dental services are under “unprecedented” pressure due to the pandemic, increased demand for treatment and high inflation rates. Support packages worth over £95 million have been made available since the start of the pandemic.
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