To ask the Minister of Health to detail the public messaging campaigns he has instigated with a view to encouraging more people to regularly visit their dentist.

The importance of regular visits to a dentist for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues cannot be understated. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and continuing effect on capacity within General Dental Services (GDS) since April 2020, so the focus has been on urgent and emergency treatment rather than regular visits by patients with good oral health.

During the pandemic, public messaging has focused on ensuring that patients are aware of the challenges facing dental practices, how they should engage with practices, as well as some messaging around our zero tolerance approach to any abuse directed towards healthcare staff.

Consideration will also be given to public messaging campaigns for dental health, through the Oral Health Options Groups that are currently being progressed.