AQW 40651/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment his Department has made of the financial sustainability of dental practices delivering predominantly health service care.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 16 February 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
16 February 2026
Answer due by
3 March 2026
Answered
9 March 202621 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

In December 2024, I commissioned a General Dental Service Cost of Service review to provide a robust evidence base on the costs associated with delivering Health Service dentistry. This review is expected to be completed at the end of this financial year and will help to inform future decisions on the reform of General Dental Services.

While this work is underway, I have made available additional funding to help offset the rising costs associated with National Insurance Contributions, and to support practitioners who continue to deliver Health Service dentistry.

Official sources