To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to improve (i) morale among; and (ii) retention of, health service dentists.

I acknowledge the challenging environment that dentists are operating under and appreciate the commitment of practitioners who have continued to provide an essential service under difficult circumstances.

While I am pleased to have been able to make additional investment in General Dental Services in the last two years, it is clear that significant reform is required to improve the service for both patients and practitioners.

The opportunities to progress reform in recent years have been limited by a number of factors including available resources and the need to address immediate pressures. I have been clear in my commitment to make progress in this area.

The reform of General Dental Services has been included in my Department’s Health and Social Care three-year plan. The first step in this process is a cost-of-service review, which is currently underway and will provide a robust evidence base to inform and shape future policy and investment decisions.

Creating an environment that allows dentists to thrive and remain motivated to treat Health Service patients will be key to securing the long-term future of General Dental Service and meeting the Oral Health needs of the people of Norther Ireland.